I-80 runs east-west across the south part of this map, I-180 is shown as 'US 85' from I-80 to the north side of the Union Pacific Railroad yard and mainline (80-100 trains/day). The Wyoming State Capitol is at the northwest corner of the map.
I-180 in Wyoming is a true anomoly of the interstate highway system. It connects the south side neighborhoods, I-80 and south suburban 'strip' commercial areas to the central and north side parts of the city across the Union Pacific mainline, but has *no* interstate standard interchanges, only traffic light interstections along its route.
I-180 was likely built as such (replacing an earlier US 85 surface street and bridge over the railroads) due to its tight location and budget constraints. However, it appears as if it could be upgraded to full interstate standards with relatively little effort. I-180 has a grade seperation at Deming Drive (just north of I-80), but intersections at two fairly minor residential side streets (5th and 9th Sts). The two intersections could be easily replaced with grade seperations (I-180 over), with a diamond interchange at 9th St, while the connection at I-80 would require more expensive land acquisition and engineering to allow for a 'cloverleaf'. I would not try any upgrades south of I-80 as the development along US 85 is simply too dense.
In other words, it is a surface street with a little 'extra'.
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This page © Michael G. Koerner |
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