Interstate 85 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Interstate 85
Lua error in Module:Infobox_road/map at line 15: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Route information
Length	666.05 mi (1,071.90 km)
Existed	August 4, 1958 (1958-08-04)–present
Major junctions
South end	I-65 / US 82 in Montgomery, AL
	I-75 in Hapeville, GA I-20 in Atlanta, GA I-75 from Atlanta, GA I-26 near Spartanburg, SC I-77 in Charlotte, NC I-74 near Archdale, NC I-73 in Greensboro, NC I-40 / I-785 in Greensboro, NC I-40 in Hillsborough NC
North end	I-95 / US 460 in Petersburg, VA
Location
States:	Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia
Highway system
Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business

Interstate 85 is a major highway in the southeastern United States. It is part of the Interstate Highway System, a big network of roads across the country. This highway stretches for about 668 miles (1,076 kilometers).

I-85 connects several states. It starts in Montgomery, Alabama, and goes northeast. The highway ends in Petersburg, Virginia. It helps people travel between important cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Greensboro.

Journey Through the States

Interstate 85 crosses five different states. Each state has its own unique part of the highway.

Alabama's Section

I-85 begins in Montgomery, Alabama. It travels northeast through cities like Auburn and Opelika. This part of the highway is about 80 miles long.

Georgia's Section

After Alabama, I-85 enters Georgia. It passes through the capital city of Atlanta. In Atlanta, I-85 joins with I-75 for a short distance. This section is very busy.

South Carolina's Section

Next, I-85 goes into South Carolina. It passes near cities like Greenville and Spartanburg. This part of the highway is important for connecting these growing areas.

North Carolina's Section

The longest part of I-85 is in North Carolina. It goes through major cities such as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Durham. Many other interstates connect with I-85 in North Carolina.

Virginia's Section

Finally, I-85 enters Virginia. It continues northeast towards Petersburg, Virginia. The highway ends when it meets I-95 near Petersburg.

History of I-85

The construction of Interstate 85 began in 1958. It was built as part of the larger Interstate Highway System. This system was created to make travel faster and safer across the United States.

Over the years, parts of I-85 have been improved and widened. This helps handle the increasing number of cars and trucks. The highway continues to be a vital route for travel and trade in the Southeast.

Images for kids

• 

  City map of Auburn, Alabama, showing I-85 passing to the south

• 

  I-75 co-signed with I-85 in downtown Atlanta, GA

• 

  I-85 North after Exit 1 in Oconee County, South Carolina, in 2008

• 

  I-40/85 through Burlington, North Carolina

• 

  I-85's terminus at I-95 near Petersburg, VA

See also

In Spanish: Interestatal 85 para niños