Interstate 86 facts for kids

Interstate 86 is a special name given to two different highways in the United States. These highways are part of the Interstate Highway System, which is a big network of roads that connect states across the country. Even though they share the same number, these two Interstate 86 highways are very far apart and serve different areas.

What is Interstate 86?

Interstate 86 (I-86) is a number used for two separate interstate highways. One is in the western part of the United States, and the other is in the eastern part. Both are important for travel and trade in their regions. They help people and goods move quickly and safely.

Interstate 86 in the Western United States

The western Interstate 86 is located in the state of Idaho. It's a relatively short highway that connects other major roads.

Where Does I-86 West Go?

This highway starts near the city of Declo, Idaho and travels west. It ends near Pocatello, Idaho. Along its path, it connects with Interstate 15, which is a very long highway running from Canada to Mexico. This connection helps drivers travel north or south through Idaho.

Why is I-86 West Important?

I-86 in Idaho helps people get to different towns and cities in the southern part of the state. It also supports farming and other businesses by making it easier to transport goods. It's a key link for local communities and for longer journeys through the region.

Interstate 86 in the Eastern United States

The eastern Interstate 86 is much longer and crosses two states: New York and Pennsylvania. It's a major route for travel in the southern parts of these states.

Where Does I-86 East Go?

This highway begins near Erie, Pennsylvania, close to Lake Erie. From there, it travels east through the southern tier of New York. It passes through many towns and cities, including Jamestown, Elmira, and Binghamton. The highway eventually connects with U.S. Route 17, which it mostly replaced.

Why is I-86 East Important?

The eastern I-86 is very important for connecting communities in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. It helps people travel for work, school, and vacations. It also plays a big role in moving goods for businesses, supporting the economy of the region. This highway is often called the "Southern Tier Expressway" because of where it is located.

Why Are There Two I-86 Highways?

It's unusual for two different highways to have the same number. This happened because the Interstate Highway System grew over time. The western I-86 was designated first. Later, when a major highway in New York and Pennsylvania was upgraded to an Interstate, it was given the I-86 number. This was done to help simplify numbering in that region, even though it created a duplicate.

How Are Interstates Numbered?

Most Interstate highways follow a special numbering system.

• Highways that go east-west usually have even numbers (like I-86).
• Highways that go north-south usually have odd numbers (like I-15).
• Lower numbers are typically in the south and west, and higher numbers are in the north and east.
• Three-digit Interstates are usually shorter roads that connect to a main two-digit Interstate. For example, I-486 might connect to I-86.

This system helps drivers understand where a highway generally goes, even if they don't have a map.