why are interstates that bad for cross country driving?

[Nachiketa Sahoo]

Hi all,

I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving and not
any interstate? The impression I got is these state roads show off the
country better than the interstate, but, is the difference that
significant? By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.

Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?

Thanks,
N

[Mark Hewitt]

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Hi all,
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving and not
any interstate? The impression I got is these state roads show off the
country better than the interstate, but, is the difference that
significant? By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?

Depends what's most important to you. The journey or your destination.

[Harry K]

Post by Mark Hewitt

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Hi all,
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving and not
any interstate? The impression I got is these state roads show off the
country better than the interstate, but, is the difference that
significant? By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?

Depends what's most important to you. The journey or your destination.

Given enough time that I can, I would prefere the 'off the interstate'
drive. I have been coast to coast and north to south more often than I
care to recall during my military service years. Most of the travel
was before the interstate and all of it was under time constraints.

Interstate: BOOORRRRRIIINGG. Sit there for hours on end doing nothing
and not much of anything to look at.

Off-interstate: Adds interest in that you are constantly adjusting
speeds, making turns, passing, etc. Frustrating for the same reason
if you are trying to get to a certain point at a certain time. More to
see and you are closer to it when you do see interest items.

Harry K

[Scott en Aztlán]

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving

Preferred by whom?

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.

Not only is the speed limit lower, but the effect of Sloth is often
more profound. On two-lane roads you'll frequently encounter drivers
who are too pussified to pass that slow-moving semi (or the Wrinkly in
the Winnebago). A long conga line of these pussies stacks up behind
the lead Sloth, making it progressively more difficult for drivers
behind to get past. And, of course, none of these assholes will ever
use a turnout. EVER.

If I have the choice, I always take the Interstate.

[Brent P]

Post by Scott en Aztlán
who are too pussified to pass that slow-moving semi (or the Wrinkly in
the Winnebago). A long conga line of these pussies stacks up behind
the lead Sloth, making it progressively more difficult for drivers
behind to get past. And, of course, none of these assholes will ever
use a turnout. EVER.

Turns out that truckers aren't alone in overwhelming stupidity. I've
mentioned the underpass on volmer road in chicago's south suburbs before.
There are signs about the height limitation for miles in each direction.
Several signs warning about the 11.5 foot clearance. And rutinely trucks
get stuck or notice it just in time but are too close to turn around on
the two lane road without massively screwing up traffic.

Well, this past weekend, stuck in there was a large pickup towing a very
large camping trailer. Some sort of ventilation unit on the roof of it
was crunched. The police were busy having the road closed for the
oncoming direction and ticketing some hapless small pickup apparently
without a driver for probably some sort of illegal parking. Meanwhile
nobody was letting the air out of the tires to give this thing some
clearance to back it out of there.

[morticide]

Post by Brent P

Post by Scott en Aztlán
who are too pussified to pass that slow-moving semi (or the Wrinkly in
the Winnebago). A long conga line of these pussies stacks up behind
the lead Sloth, making it progressively more difficult for drivers
behind to get past. And, of course, none of these assholes will ever
use a turnout. EVER.

Turns out that truckers aren't alone in overwhelming stupidity. I've
mentioned the underpass on volmer road in chicago's south suburbs before.
There are signs about the height limitation for miles in each direction.
Several signs warning about the 11.5 foot clearance. And rutinely trucks
get stuck or notice it just in time but are too close to turn around on
the two lane road without massively screwing up traffic.
Well, this past weekend, stuck in there was a large pickup towing a very
large camping trailer. Some sort of ventilation unit on the roof of it
was crunched. The police were busy having the road closed for the
oncoming direction and ticketing some hapless small pickup apparently
without a driver for probably some sort of illegal parking. Meanwhile
nobody was letting the air out of the tires to give this thing some
clearance to back it out of there.

Whew...sounds like law enforcement is as stupid as the average driver.

[Floyd Rogers]

Post by Scott en Aztlán

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving

Preferred by whom?
...
If I have the choice, I always take the Interstate.

Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

FloydR

[brink]

Post by Floyd Rogers
Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

Not to mention that many "side roads" end up being faster than interstate
routes because they are much more direct to where you're going. Major gas
savings as well when you can cut off a lot of miles instead of going out of
your way.

A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

brink

[necromancer]

Post by brink
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

I've done similar when I used to go to coastal MS to gamble. AAA or
mapquest etc... would always route me I-95 (aka Cocaine Lane) - I-10 to
get there, but taking US-82/84 to US-319 to Talahassee and then picking
up I-10 there shaved about 75 or so miles off the trip. An added bonus
is not having to worry about the DWB patrols on I-95 in Camden County,
GA. I almost always take US-17 through Camden when I am heading to/from
J-ville (especially when heading south) for this reason.

[morticide]

Post by necromancer

Post by brink
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

I've done similar when I used to go to coastal MS to gamble. AAA or
mapquest etc... would always route me I-95 (aka Cocaine Lane) - I-10 to
get there, but taking US-82/84 to US-319 to Talahassee and then picking
up I-10 there shaved about 75 or so miles off the trip. An added bonus
is not having to worry about the DWB patrols on I-95 in Camden County,
GA. I almost always take US-17 through Camden when I am heading to/from
J-ville (especially when heading south) for this reason.

I do something similar myself...KC to Dallas...via Joplin and Muskogee
(US 71, I-44, US 69, US 75). It's shorter than using I-35. Toll
charges are a bit less as well.

[Pat O'Connell]

Post by brink

Post by Floyd Rogers
Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

Not to mention that many "side roads" end up being faster than interstate
routes because they are much more direct to where you're going. Major gas
savings as well when you can cut off a lot of miles instead of going out of
your way.
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

US 54 is good quality, mostly 2 lane road. Worth taking if you like farm
scenery (mostly cropland or range land, with some trees in stream
valleys). We picnicked on the way, then took US 400 and stopped at Dodge
City overnight. The next day we took US 56/412 (more scenic) to I-25 in
northern NM, thence south to Albuquerque. I remember some slowdowns for
farm equipment, trains, and the like in Kansas and the Oklahoma
panhandle, so drivers should take care on the trip.

[Jason Pawloski]

Post by brink

Post by Floyd Rogers
Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

Not to mention that many "side roads" end up being faster than interstate
routes because they are much more direct to where you're going. Major gas
savings as well when you can cut off a lot of miles instead of going out of
your way.
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

Yes, most mapping software notoriously favors Interstate routes. For
instance, going from Phoenix to Sacramento, they often recommend taking
I-10 into and through LA to I-5 (taking one of the 10 spur routes,
I-410 is the favorite I think, but not 100% sure), and taking I-5
northward. The mind boggles.

Jason

[Mike Tantillo]

Post by Jason Pawloski

Post by brink

Post by Floyd Rogers
Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

Not to mention that many "side roads" end up being faster than interstate
routes because they are much more direct to where you're going. Major gas
savings as well when you can cut off a lot of miles instead of going out of
your way.
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

Yes, most mapping software notoriously favors Interstate routes. For
instance, going from Phoenix to Sacramento, they often recommend taking
I-10 into and through LA to I-5 (taking one of the 10 spur routes,
I-410 is the favorite I think, but not 100% sure), and taking I-5
northward. The mind boggles.

What alternate would you suggest? Just curious....

Post by Jason Pawloski
Jason

[Jason Pawloski]

Post by Mike Tantillo

Post by Jason Pawloski

Post by brink

Post by Floyd Rogers
Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

Not to mention that many "side roads" end up being faster than interstate
routes because they are much more direct to where you're going. Major gas
savings as well when you can cut off a lot of miles instead of going out of
your way.
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS software will
almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west. Taking US 54 out of
Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip because it proceeds SW
toward Albuquerque rather than straight south (and out of your way) toward
Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

Yes, most mapping software notoriously favors Interstate routes. For
instance, going from Phoenix to Sacramento, they often recommend taking
I-10 into and through LA to I-5 (taking one of the 10 spur routes,
I-410 is the favorite I think, but not 100% sure), and taking I-5
northward. The mind boggles.

What alternate would you suggest? Just curious....

Anything that would avoid LA traffic. US 93 to I-40 to I-15 to CA-58 to
I-5 is still a mostly-freeway alternative. When I took the trip, I took
US 93 up to I-80. Its mostly country driving, only passing through the
relatively minor cities of Vegas and Reno. This turned out to be fun,
but long because of snow-related road closures. But as far as I know,
mapping software does not attempt to take weather into account.

When I went back from Sacramento, I went south on US 101 and followed
pretty much the reverse of the first suggestion above. Even though US
101 is clearly a longer trip than I-5, its clear to me that it was
still quicker than going all the way through LA.

Jason

[Scott en Aztlán]

Post by Jason Pawloski

Post by Mike Tantillo
What alternate would you suggest? Just curious....

Anything that would avoid LA traffic. US 93 to I-40 to I-15 to CA-58 to
I-5 is still a mostly-freeway alternative.

I-15 is a nightmare anywhere between San Diego and Las Vegas.

So much for "avoiding LA traffic." :)

Post by Jason Pawloski
When I went back from Sacramento, I went south on US 101 and followed
pretty much the reverse of the first suggestion above. Even though US
101 is clearly a longer trip than I-5, its clear to me that it was
still quicker than going all the way through LA.

You're out of your mind. The 101 is posted at 55 - 65 MPH throughout
most of its length - only one short stretch is posted 70 MPH (I-5 is
70 MPH most of the way). And the nightmare traffic through Santa
Barbara adds an extra hour to your trip.

I know whereof I speak: I took the 5 north to Santa Cruz last weekend,
and foolishly took the 101 back. Never again.

[Jason Pawloski]

Post by Scott en Aztlán

Post by Jason Pawloski

Post by Mike Tantillo
What alternate would you suggest? Just curious....

Anything that would avoid LA traffic. US 93 to I-40 to I-15 to CA-58 to
I-5 is still a mostly-freeway alternative.

I-15 is a nightmare anywhere between San Diego and Las Vegas.

I think to get from CA-58 from I-40, you only need to stay on I-15 for
about 3 miles or so.

Post by Scott en Aztlán
So much for "avoiding LA traffic." :)

Post by Jason Pawloski
When I went back from Sacramento, I went south on US 101 and followed
pretty much the reverse of the first suggestion above. Even though US
101 is clearly a longer trip than I-5, its clear to me that it was
still quicker than going all the way through LA.

You're out of your mind. The 101 is posted at 55 - 65 MPH throughout
most of its length - only one short stretch is posted 70 MPH (I-5 is
70 MPH most of the way). And the nightmare traffic through Santa
Barbara adds an extra hour to your trip.

That's funny, because there's one thing I've noticed about driving in
California: when I am on rural stretches with little traffic, I always
travel slower than when I am in traffic. On I-10 approaching LA,
outside the city I'll usually go about 75 MPH in the 70 zone, sometimes
up to 80 if I feel good. After CA 60 though and there are all the cars
around, I never pay attention to my speed and go with the flow of
traffic. I usually average about 80-85.

The US 101 southward was the exact same way, but even more exaggerated.
It was pretty busy. Not crowded, but busy. It was a Sunday afternoon
and there was really only one traffic snarl - no more than 10 minute
delay. But I probably averaged 75 MPH easily. At one point I was going
90 MPH because everyone else was. I'd say 80-85 MPH was the norm.
Occassionally I'd have to back off because I was going too fast to feel
comfortable, even though all the cars around me were going that speed.

So my experience with US 101 was very positive. I can see how it can
back up though. Just curious, what day/time did you travel?

Jason

[Scott en Aztlán]

Post by Jason Pawloski
So my experience with US 101 was very positive. I can see how it can
back up though. Just curious, what day/time did you travel?

Sunday evening at 10:00 PM, but I have been caught in traffic
congestion in that area at other times, as well.

See Message-ID:
<***@b68g2000cwa.googlegroups.com> and the other
messages in that thread.

[Floyd Rogers]

Post by Mike Tantillo

Post by Jason Pawloski
Yes, most mapping software notoriously favors Interstate routes. For
instance, going from Phoenix to Sacramento, they often recommend taking
I-10 into and through LA to I-5 (taking one of the 10 spur routes,
I-410 is the favorite I think, but not 100% sure), and taking I-5
northward. The mind boggles.

What alternate would you suggest? Just curious....

I10 to Quartzite, US 95 to Needles, I40 to Barstow (right armpit
of S. CA), SR 58 to Bakersfield (left armpit) and up US 99 or I5.
Or, you could go all the way up 95 to I80/Reno...

FloydR

[brink]

Post by Floyd Rogers

Post by Mike Tantillo

Post by Jason Pawloski
Yes, most mapping software notoriously favors Interstate routes. For
instance, going from Phoenix to Sacramento, they often recommend taking
I-10 into and through LA to I-5 (taking one of the 10 spur routes,
I-410 is the favorite I think, but not 100% sure), and taking I-5
northward. The mind boggles.

What alternate would you suggest? Just curious....

I10 to Quartzite, US 95 to Needles,

That's the one that gets me sometimes -- AZ 95 is what heads north out of
Quartzsite. US 95 is out of Blythe. It's really confusing because US 95 is
co-signed along I-10 from Quartzsite to Blythe. So you'll see signs for two
*different* 95s out there, both of which head north close alongside the Co
River...

brink

[Concrete Bob]

I drive to Phoenix every couple of years, mainly to check out the
awesome, new freeway action. I live in the Sacramento area. When I
leave Phoenix, I usually want to take the fastest way home, because I
want a couple of days rest before I go back to work.

I leave Phoenix on I-10, and turn onto CA 30 (future I-210). Then I
take I-215 north to US 395, to SR58 west to SR 99 north. I can leave
Phoenix at 9:30 AM and be home by 10:00 PM, including stops for food,
gas and "constitutions."

Perhaps next time, I'll stay on US 395 and cut over Calfornia 89 over
Monitor Pass to US 50 west. I wonder if I'd save any time. I kind of
doubt it. But it would be fun.

I will generally avoid the Los Angeles area unless I am going through
during "off" hours. When the 210 is completed, I may just go I-10,
I-210, I-5, US 50...But only to drive on the new section of the
Foothill Freeway in Beautiful Rialto/Colton.

When I drive TO Phoenix, I'll just take whatever way I feel. I may go
through Las Vegas, Kingman, Prescott, whatever.

I think the Interstate System is awesome. I think we all do !!! But
as a roadgeek, I'll look for other ways to get to an area, especially
if I've been on a particular stretch of interstate enough.

[Steve Sobol]

Post by Concrete Bob
I will generally avoid the Los Angeles area unless I am going through
during "off" hours. When the 210 is completed, I may just go I-10,
I-210, I-5, US 50...But only to drive on the new section of the
Foothill Freeway in Beautiful Rialto/Colton.

Taking the Foothill Freeway would be a bad idea unless you can guarantee
you'll hit it in the middle of the day.

Even the San Bernardino County portion gets busy now. I remember about a year
ago when Los Angeles TV stations ran stories about the new portion of the 210
and how no one was driving on it. :D

And of course, I-210 between Duarte and Sylmar has been around for some time
and tends to get a lot of traffic.

[Scott en Aztlán]

Post by Concrete Bob
I drive to Phoenix every couple of years, mainly to check out the
awesome, new freeway action.

Now THAT is a true roadgeek! :)

[Ronnie Dobbs]

Post by Jason Pawloski

Post by brink

Post by Floyd Rogers
Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go. Many "interesting" things
are often 50-100 miles off the freeway, and it's actually better
to use minor roads rather than constant side trips off the freeway.

Not to mention that many "side roads" end up being faster than
interstate routes because they are much more direct to where you're
going. Major gas savings as well when you can cut off a lot of
miles instead of going out of your way.
A good example is getting from say Kansas City to some point in the
southwest like Albuquerque, Phoenix, or LA. Mapquest or GPS
software will almost certainly route you on I-35 to I-40 west.
Taking US 54 out of Wichita, however, shaves 100 miles off your trip
because it proceeds SW toward Albuquerque rather than straight south
(and out of your way) toward Oklahoma City before proceeding west.

Yes, most mapping software notoriously favors Interstate routes. For
instance, going from Phoenix to Sacramento, they often recommend
taking I-10 into and through LA to I-5 (taking one of the 10 spur
routes, I-410 is the favorite I think, but not 100% sure), and taking
I-5 northward. The mind boggles.

The mapping programs say when going from Mena, AR to Tulsa, OK to take US 71
to I-40 to the Muskogee Turnpike. It's a lot shorter and a whole lot faster
to take US 59 to I-40 to the Turnpike.

[Scott en Aztlán]

On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 08:22:05 -0700, "Floyd Rogers"

Post by Floyd Rogers

Post by Scott en Aztlán

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving

Preferred by whom?
...
If I have the choice, I always take the Interstate.

Now, now, Scott. If you're on a vacation and want to see stuff,
the freeway is often not the way to go.

I've tried the "scenic" routes on occasion. PCH was kind of fun,
especially in a Corvette, but the experience was largely ruined by all
the Sloth pussies who were driving 40 MPH and who refused to use the
turnouts.

Nowadays I'd rather get there fast, and use the time I save to enjoy
myself once I get there. I leave the 2-lane scenic roads to the
Wrinklies in their 40 MPH Winnebagos.

[C. E. White]

Post by Scott en Aztlán

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving

Preferred by whom?

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.

Not only is the speed limit lower, but the effect of Sloth is often
more profound. On two-lane roads you'll frequently encounter drivers
who are too pussified to pass that slow-moving semi (or the Wrinkly in
the Winnebago). A long conga line of these pussies stacks up behind
the lead Sloth, making it progressively more difficult for drivers
behind to get past. And, of course, none of these assholes will ever
use a turnout. EVER.
If I have the choice, I always take the Interstate.

Hey, that a good reason for me to take the US Routes :)

Ed

[Scott en Aztlán]

On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:09:07 -0400, "C. E. White"

Post by C. E. White

Post by Scott en Aztlán
If I have the choice, I always take the Interstate.

Hey, that a good reason for me to take the US Routes :)

And with one less LLB to get in my way, that's all the reason I need
to stick to the Interstates. :) :)

[John Gaquin]

Post by Scott en Aztlán
If I have the choice, I always take the Interstate.

No surprise there.

[John S.]

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Hi all,
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving and not
any interstate? The impression I got is these state roads show off the
country better than the interstate, but, is the difference that
significant? By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?

I've driven cross country several times. If your goal is to get from
one coast to the other then one of the major interstates is THE ONLY
way to do it. Your basic east-west choices are 90, 80 or 40 but there
are some regional alternatives for added flexibility.

If you plan to take a leisurely, sometimes scenic trip then do take one
of the 2 lane highways. Be prepared for a trip that:can be very slow
at times; will take you through a lot of small towns; will take you
through some traffic choked downtowns; will have portions of those
numbered highways seeming to disappear at times.

Anyone who has taken US50 from Ohio through West Virginia and eastward
will know exactly what I'm talking about. And the original US66
doesn't even appear on maps.

[necromancer]

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
I have never done cross country driving, but, planning to do one some
time next year. I have a basic question. Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving and not
any interstate? The impression I got is these state roads show off the
country better than the interstate, but, is the difference that
significant? By taking these two lane roads you are not only increasing
the travel distance but also increasing the travel time because the
speed limit would be lower on these.
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?

They are not necessairly bad, it just depends on what your trip's
purpose is. If you need to get somewhere fast, then the interstate is
the way to go. Just that the uniformity of the interstate system from
the highway design to the McDonalds and Cracker Barrel at what seems
like every exit makes it rather like an antfarm. If you want to see more
of the USA, then the US highways (or a combination of US Highways and
Interstates) is the way to go.

Not sure about US 50 or US 80, but See: http://tinyurl.com/nrhug for
more on what makes US 66 (which is officially no longer in use) so
famous.

[Sir Lex]

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Hi all,
<snip>
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?
Thanks,
N

As others have said, it depends how much time you have on your hands,
what your budget for fuel is, and if your primary interest is the
destination, or the journey.

Personally I'm someone who tends to enjoy the journey, and will avoid
motorways/interstates whenever possible in favour of a scenic route.
But if I'm in a hurry to get somewhere, travelling on the motorway at
the SL + 7 will be my choice.

[Nate Nagel]

Post by Sir Lex

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Hi all,
<snip>
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?
Thanks,
N

As others have said, it depends how much time you have on your hands,
what your budget for fuel is, and if your primary interest is the
destination, or the journey.
Personally I'm someone who tends to enjoy the journey, and will avoid
motorways/interstates whenever possible in favour of a scenic route. But
if I'm in a hurry to get somewhere, travelling on the motorway at the SL
+ 7 will be my choice.

I'd still rather take the 2-lanes. Traffic, at least on the East Coast,
tends to be lighter, and more importantly if you drive old cars without
A/C the 2-lanes tend to be tree shaded while the interstates are not.
Both car and driver run hotter as a result on the Interstate... :(

nate

[John Gaquin]

Post by Nachiketa Sahoo
Why are the two lane roads
like US66, US50 or US80 are preferred for cross country driving and not
any interstate?
Any thoughts from anybody who has driven cross country?

Having driven cross-country at least 15-20 times, including 6 times by
motorcycle, and made numerous partial crossings, I will echo what so many
others have offerred. If you want to *get across* the country, stick to
the Interstate system. If you want to *see* the country and meet the
country, use the US system.

[Ad absurdum per aspera]

Well, they both are and aren't, depending on the particular route and
on what you're after.

The two-lanes don't necessarily have better scenery but do have a lot
more chance of actually going through something scenic rather than
going past the general vicinity. Much more integration with the
culture and economy of the older parts of town, which may run the gamut
from the charm of days gone by to postindustrial economic depression
and urban decay.

More likely to run the gamut of stoplights and grade crossings too; and
the speed limits will often be lower . You often find that the travel
time is greater even though the distance is shorter.

Interstates tend to avoid those things in the name of sweeping curves,
gentle grades, avoidance of distractions, and deliberatedly limited
access. The things to see and do at the interchanges run toward what
some call "Generica" -- the culturally homogenized services and
experiences that are more or less the same across the country -- and
usually just meet basic needs in a way that slams your doors and points
you back onto the road quickly.

Of course, some US and even state highways have been four-laned and
freeway-ized to near-Interstate standards...

Enjoy your trip,
--Joe

[necromancer]

Post by Ad absurdum per aspera
The things to see and do at the interchanges run toward what
some call "Generica" -- the culturally homogenized services and
experiences that are more or less the same across the country -- and
usually just meet basic needs in a way that slams your doors and points
you back onto the road quickly.

True. In my experiences, if you want to find a adequate place to eat,
you'll find it at the exits, but if you want to find someplace *good* to
eat, head for the town.