Bottom Line
There is no I‑50 or I‑60 because the interstate numbering plan never assigned those numbers to a finished highway, and the system already uses the even numbers for existing east‑west routes.
Why There Is No Interstate 50 or 60 – The Real Reason Explained
Image: Why There Is No Interstate 50 or 60 – The Real Reason Explained – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The interstate grid follows a simple rule: odd numbers run north‑south, even numbers run east‑west. Numbers increase from south to north and from west to east. When planners first laid out the map in the 1950s, they left gaps for future corridors. I‑50 and I‑60 were placeholders for routes that were hoped for but never built, so the signs never appeared.
Performance & Mileage
Because the routes never existed, there is no mileage to report. Instead, the closest equivalents are I‑40, I‑70, and I‑80, which together cover the east‑west travel the missing interstates would have served. Those highways handle the bulk of cross‑country traffic, keeping the network efficient without adding extra numbers.
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | Even‑numbered east‑west routing, future‑proof numbering |
Price & Rivals
Building a brand‑new interstate costs billions, so the federal budget prioritized upgrading existing corridors. The “rival” routes—like I‑40 and I‑70—received funding instead, offering better surface quality, rest areas, and connectivity. This pragmatic choice kept the highway system affordable and functional.
FAQ
- Why does the interstate system skip certain numbers? The numbering plan leaves gaps for future roads that may never be built, so some numbers stay unused.
- What east‑west interstates replace the missing I‑50 and I‑60? I‑40, I‑70, and I‑80 cover the major cross‑country trips that a 50 or 60 would have handled.
- Will I‑50 or I‑60 ever be added? Unlikely. The current network meets travel demand, and adding new numbers would create confusion.
Have thoughts on why some highway numbers are missing? Share your view in the comments below!
Source: Read Official News
