August 7, 2025
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What is The Busiest Interstate in The U.S.

The Interstate Highway System is one of the most significant and long-lasting public works projects in the U.S. This highway system’s primary goal is establishing a nationwide network of high-speed roadways for intercity travel. With an estimated cost of around $128.9 billion, the complex network of highways allows travelling across the United States from coast to coast.
The Interstate Highway System is a network of highways with similar characteristics. All are divided with grade separations at intersections, full access control, high-speed limits usually around 65 miles per hour, at least two lanes in each direction, and no tolls.
In this article, we’ll spotlight the busiest interstates in the U.S. in detail with information about what makes these interstates busy compared to others.
Interesting facts about the U.S. interstate highway system
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According to The Federal Highway Administration at The U.S. Department of Transportation, all American states capitals are directly served by the interstate highway system except for Juneau, AK; Dover, DE; Jefferson City, MO; and Pierre, SD, which are not directly served.
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The Federal share of construction works for the interstate highway system was $114.3 out of $128.9 billion, which includes the engineering work, right-of-way acquisition, and all construction activities.
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The most costly interstate was I-95, from Miami, FL, to Houlton, ME, with a total cost of $8 billion.
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The longest interstate route is I-90, Seattle, WA to Boston, MA, with 3,085.27 miles, compared to the second largest route from I-80, San Francisco, CA, to Teaneck, NJ, with 2,906.77 miles.
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The shortest interstate route is I-97, from Annapolis to Baltimore, MD, with 17.57 miles.
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The interstate I-95 traverses across the most number of states, a total of 16 states: F.L.L., GA, SC, NC, VA, DC, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, and M.EE.
What are the busiest interstates in the U.S.?
Interstates were originally constructed to be busy all year round, so that’s considered normal; however, these are the busiest interstates in the U.S.
Interstate 95
I-95 is commonly regarded among truckers on the East Coast as the busiest Interstate for trucks. The highway runs from Miami, Florida, to the Maine-Canada border, across the majority of the eastern shore of the United States.
Interstate 95 links 15 states and plays a crucial role in trade between east- and west-coast cities, despite not being the longest roadway in the United States. This highway is the most congested in the United States. Due to traffic, the average speed on this stretch of road is just 29 miles per hour, placing it at the top of the list.
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 crosses the United States from east to west, whereas Interstate 95 goes north and South along the East Coast. Interstate 80 (I-80) is one of the longest and busiest highways in the United States, stretching from San Francisco, California (one of the primary beginning places for long-distance truckers) to Chicago, Illinois (the other important starting point).
It’s no wonder that Interstate 80 is a major busy thoroughfare across the centre of the United States, given that its route goes through 11 different states.
Throughout their careers, most truck drivers will travel along Interstate 80. Highway traffic is heavy, and there are several cities and villages along the route where drivers may stop for supplies.
Interstate 90
It is generally acknowledged that I-90 is the longest Interstate in the United States and that it is also the most congested Interstate for trucks. The 1864 miles of Interstate 90 between Seattle and Boston are largely responsible for this highway’s fame.
One interesting fact about the interstate highway numbering system is, Interstates are numbered with even numbers when travelling east-west and odd numbers when travelling north-south.
Interstate 40
I-40 goes east from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina. It runs east-west since it’s an even number and is located towards the South (generally) since it’s a lower number. The Interstate is the longest continuous highway in the United States, spanning 4,065 miles. It is one of the essential routes for trade since it connects Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Memphis, among other major cities.
What makes interstates busy?
Interstate highways were constructed to alleviate traffic on local streets. Still, it begs the question: why do they always seem so crowded? The following are some typical causes of traffic delays.
Highway accidents
When an accident occurs on the road, it may rapidly become a nightmare for drivers. The aftermath of a single automobile collision can produce traffic jams that stretch for miles as cars slam on their brakes to avoid colliding with the debris or the vehicles involved in the incident.
Construction works
Congestion on highways can also be caused by road-building projects, which dramatically reduce travel speeds. However, there is no way around regular construction work to ensure the safety and efficiency of the interstate highway system.
Holidays and special occasions
Whenever there is a holiday, many people will be out on the roads travelling across the states to visit family and friends; therefore, the holiday season brings lots of traffic to various interstates every year.
Conclusion
Interstates are means of easy transport across the United States. If you are moving from one state to another for some reason, you can either drive your car or have it shipped with an auto transport company to save yourself time and effort.
Super Auto Transport offers high-end auto shipping services across the U.S. with a vast network of trailers and seasoned drivers ready to handle all types of vehicles around the hour.
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