Interstate 8 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Interstate 8
I-8 highlighted in red
Route information
Maintained by Caltrans and ADOT
Length	350.34 mi (563.82 km)
Existed	1964–present
Major junctions
West end	Sunset Cliffs Boulevard / Nimitz Boulevard in San Diego, CA
	I-5 in San Diego, CA I-805 in San Diego, CA I-15 / SR 15 in San Diego, CA SR 111 in El Centro, CA US 95 in Yuma, AZ SR 85 in Gila Bend, AZ
East end	I-10 in Casa Grande, AZ
Location
States:	California, Arizona
Counties:	CA: San Diego, Imperial AZ: Yuma, Maricopa, Pinal
Highway system
Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business State highways in California(list • pre-1964) History • Unconstructed • Deleted • Freeway • ScenicState routes in Arizona Unconstructed • Former ← SR 7 CA SR 9 → ← SR 989 AZ I-10 →

Interstate 8 (often called I-8) is an important Interstate Highway in the United States. It helps people travel across two states. This road starts near Casa Grande, Arizona and goes all the way to San Diego, California.

The total length of I-8 is about 348 miles (560 kilometers). It connects many towns and cities. The highway is managed by two different groups. These are Caltrans in California and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in Arizona.

What is Interstate 8?

Interstate 8 is a major road that is part of the Interstate Highway System. This system connects states across the country. I-8 is a busy route for both cars and trucks. It helps people get around and move goods.

The highway was officially created in 1964. It has been an important travel route ever since. It helps link the Pacific Coast to central Arizona.

Where Does I-8 Go?

Interstate 8 travels through two states. It starts in California and ends in Arizona. Let's look at its journey.

I-8 in California

In California, I-8 begins in San Diego. This is a large city on the Pacific Ocean. The highway then heads east. It goes through the San Diego County area.

As it moves east, I-8 crosses some interesting places. It goes through mountains and valleys. You might see parts of the Cleveland National Forest. The road also passes near towns like El Centro. This area is known as the Imperial Valley. It is a very hot desert region.

I-8 in Arizona

After California, I-8 crosses into Arizona. It enters Yuma County. The city of Yuma is a major stop here. Yuma is known for its sunny weather.

The highway continues east through the desert. It passes through Maricopa County. This county includes the big city of Phoenix. However, I-8 does not go directly through Phoenix. Instead, it goes south of it.

Finally, I-8 reaches Pinal County. It ends near Casa Grande. Here, it connects with Interstate 10. I-10 is another very long Interstate Highway.

Why is I-8 Important?

Interstate 8 serves many purposes. It is a key route for people traveling between California and Arizona. Many tourists use it to visit different places. It also helps people who live along the route.

The highway is also very important for trade. Trucks use I-8 to carry goods. These goods might be going to or from the ports in San Diego. They could also be moving between cities in the Southwest.

Because it crosses desert areas, I-8 is a vital link. It connects communities that might otherwise be hard to reach. It helps people and businesses stay connected.

Images for kids

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  I-8 in San Diego, from the San Diego Trolley

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  A sign showing distances on I-8 in Gila Bend

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  A section of old US 80 (Wildwood Glen Lane) now closed to cars west of Descanso Junction

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  I-8 in Alpine

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  I-8 in the Imperial Valley in 1972

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  I-10 approaching the eastern end of I-8