Interstate 72 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | |
| Maintained by IDOT and MoDOT | |
| Length | 184.00 mi (296.12 km) |
| Existed | 1970–present |
| Major junctions | |
| West end |     US 36 / US 36 Bus. / US 61 in Hannibal, MO |
 I-172 in Fall Creek, IL US 54 in Griggsville, IL US 67 in Jacksonville, IL I-55 in Springfield, IL US 36 / US 51 in Decatur, IL I-57 in Champaign, IL |
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| East end | Country Fair Drive in Champaign, IL |
| Location | |
| States: | Missouri, Illinois |
| Highway system | |
| Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business |
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Interstate 72 (often called I-72) is an important road in the United States. It is part of the Interstate Highway System, which is a big network of major roads connecting different states. I-72 starts in Hannibal, Missouri, and travels east all the way to Champaign, Illinois. This road helps people and goods move easily between these two states. It is about 184 miles (or 296 kilometers) long.
What is an Interstate Highway?
Interstate Highways are like superhighways that connect cities and states across the USA. They are built to be very efficient, usually with many lanes and no traffic lights. This design allows cars and trucks to travel smoothly and quickly. These roads are very important for travel, moving goods for businesses, and even for national defense.
Where Does I-72 Go?
Interstate 72 begins in Hannibal, Missouri. This city is famous for being the hometown of the writer Mark Twain. From Hannibal, I-72 heads east and crosses the Mississippi River into Illinois.
As it goes through Illinois, I-72 passes by several towns and cities. It travels near Jacksonville, Illinois, and then goes through Springfield, Illinois. Springfield is the capital city of Illinois. After Springfield, the highway continues east towards Decatur, Illinois. Finally, I-72 ends in Champaign, Illinois.
Important Connections
Along its route, I-72 connects with other major highways. These connections help drivers get to many different places.
- In Fall Creek, Illinois, I-72 meets Interstate 172.
- It crosses U.S. Route 54 in Griggsville, Illinois.
- In Jacksonville, Illinois, it connects with U.S. Route 67.
- A very important connection is with Interstate 55 in Springfield, Illinois. I-55 is a major north-south Interstate.
- In Decatur, Illinois, I-72 meets U.S. Route 36 and U.S. Route 51.
- Near its end, in Champaign, Illinois, I-72 connects with Interstate 57.
Images for kids
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A section of I-72, north of Seymour, Illinois, looking west
