Interstate 2 (Dallas, Lubbock, Laredo: mobile home, construction, campers)

[elnina]

Please unconfuse me.

Yesterday I was driving on Interstate 2 (not to confuse with US Hwy 2 between Maine and Everett, WA)
It currently starts in Harlingen, TX and ends in Penitas, TX
When completed, the western part will be the city of Laredo, TX



Why it's called Interstate, if all of it will be in one state - Texas?

Interstate refers to a type of highway that stretches between states. While all interstates are highways, not all highways are interstates.

BTW:
Why US Hwy 2/US Route 2 isn't called Interstate? It's going through many states.

[rrampage]

This kind of reminds me of I-27 that connects Lubbock with Amarillo. Certainly, nothing interstate about it. Should call both "intrastates".

[bluescreen73]

FWIW, I-45 is entirely in Texas, and Hawaii has "Interstate" highways, too. At this point I think they label them as interstates because of the standard they're built to.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

FWIW, I-45 is entirely in Texas, and Hawaii has "Interstate" highways, too. At this point I think they label them as interstates because of the standard they're built to.

Quite possibly and the fact that Interstates are Federally built and controlled roads. It is probably Federally funded.

[Need4Camaro]

I-16 also stays in the state of Georgia.

Hawaii has interstates too

Alaska does as well but they are unsigned.

Same for Peurto Rico.

The reason they are called interstates isn't because they cross state boundaries but because a large portion of their funding for conception, maintanence and their route comes from the Federal Goverment.

[case44]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

FWIW, I-45 is entirely in Texas, and Hawaii has "Interstate" highways, too. At this point I think they label them as interstates because of the standard they're built to.

The word standard definitely describes it.

Folks, an interstate is more about the purpose of the roadway than anything else. Interstate does mean going from one state to another (which happens in most cases but not all), but its main purpose is have continuous movement. This type of highway differentiates from the U.S. highway or a state highway or, as in the case of our beautiful Tejas, farm-to-market or ranch-to-market roads. Interstates have to allow carriage heavy goods and freight, as well as military equipment, artillery, tanks, and trucks. Oftentimes, they provide access to seaports and other ports of entry. They're loaded with heavy trucks, campers, tankers, RVs, and even oversized loads (yes, even the carriage of small houses and mobile homes). You'll also see vacationers using it to get someplace quick from another location. And, of course, let's not forget our gear-jamming buddies, either. There has to be movement without any signals or flashing beacons, and there cannot be any driveways or intersections. Also featured along the way are protection barriers between the flows of traffic in each direction. This is why you see limited access and grade separations for exiting and entering traffic. It's also the highest designation for a highway because of said purpose.

Most interstate-designated highways do cross state lines, but there are some instances where some of them do connect with other interstates but never leave a specific state. Bluescreen just said it earlier about I-45 being one of those (Galveston to Dallas for right now) and elnina's aforementioned I-2, Texas' newest interstate in the RGV. That one is a work in progress, as is I-69, which eventually will connect Texas with Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan.

The key word here is movement. Movement of goods. Interstates provide that open outlet for them.

[Trainwreck20]

It is part of the interstate SYSTEM and the rules of construction and operation are set by the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act (or something like that). Since it will connect to I-35 (I assume?) it will be part of an interstate highway system. By itself, it is not need to cross state lines, sort of like all the interstate 'loops' (I-610, 410, etc).

[elnina]

Still, for someone who doesn't know all that (and I bet many don't, including tourists), the NAME is confusing. No matter what purpose it describes. Maybe there could be a better name for it.
I think the US has the most complicate/elaborate road hierarchy.

Thank you all for the explanation

[rrampage]

Originally Posted by elnina

Still, for someone who doesn't know all that (and I bet many don't, including tourists), the NAME is confusing. No matter what purpose it describes. Maybe there could be a better name for it.
I think the US has the most complicate/elaborate road hierarchy.

Thank you all for the explanation

I agree, the name is confusing.

[NewMexicoCowboy]

Originally Posted by elnina

Still, for someone who doesn't know all that (and I bet many don't, including tourists), the NAME is confusing. No matter what purpose it describes. Maybe there could be a better name for it.
I think the US has the most complicate/elaborate road hierarchy.

Thank you all for the explanation

I was confused when I got onto I-27 because I was like why is it called a interstate so I can definately see why you were confused.