The federal highway system is closing in on 50,000 miles in length. 
 -  Photo courtesy of Geotab.

The federal highway system is closing in on 50,000 miles in length.

Photo courtesy of Geotab.

Telematics provider Geotab has released an interactive map graphic that shows the development of the U.S. interstate highway system from the 1950s until the present day. The interactive timeline shows a detailed look at the development of the infrastructure that began in 1956 with the building of the I-70 between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Today, the interstate system accounts for 25% of all highway traffic in the U.S. The system is closing in on the milestone of 50,000 miles in length. In 2016, the system reached 48,191 miles.

The system was born with the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1944, which required the Public Roads Administration to establish construction and operational standards for the Interstate Highway System. President Dwight Eisenhower authorized construction of the network with the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956.

Geotab's map shows major developments in the system, including the 1974 completion of the I-5 from the Mexico to Canada border.


Related: Geotab Offers Smart City Data Website

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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