I-435 runs from the west to the northeast, I-470 goes east from here, US 50 comes in from the west with I-435 and continues east on I-470 and US 71 goes northwest to south.
US 71 is the first freeway to be built here, the I-routes came later. The most interesting aspect of this interchange is that the ramps between I-470 and I-435 straddle US 71 for over 500 meters, but on the *wrong* sides of US 71. This is mainly due to the hilliness of the area. As I-435 enters the interchange from the west, after the the ramp to northeastbound I-435 and northbound US 71 diverges, the eastbound I-435 to eastbound I-470 and southbound US 71 ramp (EB US 50 mainline) descends a small ravine, goes under the WB ramp and splits. The ramp to SB US 71 diverges from the ramp to NB I-435 (US 50) and connects to US 71. The ramp from SB US 71 and SB I-435 then connects to this roadway and it crosses the mainline of US 71. After about 500 meters/0.3 mile, this ramp crosses over the railroad and under the WB roadway, merges with the ramp from NB US 71, ascends a slight hill and heads off as EB I-470/EB US 50. Going the other way, the roadway from WB I-470 stays fairly level and the ramps all diverge as it crosses over the railroad and the EB roadway. The ramp to WB I-435 (WB US 50 mainline) crosses the US 71 mainline and merges with the ramp from NB US 71. This ramp then rides about 2/3rds of the way up the ridge, crosses over the EB roadways and merges with rest of the ramps.
There is *some* discussion of someday adding US 71 to the I-system (should that happen it would be either 'I-29' or 'I-49', more likely the latter), but it is doubtfull that we will see this anytime soon. Between here and downtown Kansas City (about 16 km to the north), US 71 includes a section of 'street level' running, approximately 3 km long. This was done after a long messy fight, mainly to 'placate' the neighbors. However, this 'street' section uses a very wide 'boulevard' median with plenty of room for 'upgrades', which can be easily done (physically, at least) should the local political winds blow that way sometime in the future.
I-435 is also interesting in that its 'distance' based interchange numbers start at the southwest I-35/I-435 interchange in Lenexa, KS and increase clockwise around the metro area, returning to the same interchange as 'EXIT 83'. These numbers completely ignore the Kansas-Missouri state line. The I-470/US 71 interchange is 'EXIT 71A and B'.
A fascinating place on the USA highway system.
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Just follow this sign to make your OWN great signs!!!! |
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This page © Michael G. Koerner |
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