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Interstate 65

Interstate 65 (I-65) is a major north–south highway in the central United States. As part of the Interstate Highway System, it serves as a major route connecting the Great Lakes region with the Gulf of Mexico. I-65 stretches from Mobile, Alabama in the south to Gary, Indiana in the north, traversing approximately 887.30 miles (1,427.97 km).

Route Description

Alabama

In Alabama, I-65 extends approximately 366 miles (589 km) and passes through significant cities such as Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham. The highway connects six of the state's ten largest cities, serving as a vital transportation corridor.

Tennessee

As I-65 enters Tennessee, it continues northwards, connecting with cities such as Nashville. Nashville is notable for its music industry, often referred to as "Music City."

Kentucky

In Kentucky, I-65 passes through Louisville, a city renowned for hosting the Kentucky Derby. In 2007, a section of I-65 in Jefferson County, Kentucky, was renamed the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway.

Indiana

As the highway progresses into Indiana, it serves key urban areas such as Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, a portion of I-65 runs concurrently with Interstate 70 through a complex interchange known as the "North Split" and "South Split," which is part of the "Inner Loop" or "The Spaghetti Bowl."

Notable Interchanges
  • North Split and South Split: Located in Indianapolis, these interchanges with I-70 are known for their intricate network of ramps and overpasses.
  • Malfunction Junction: In Birmingham, Alabama, I-65 intersects with Interstate 59 at this historically congestion-prone interchange.

Speed Limits and Regulations

I-65, like many other interstates, has undergone changes to its speed limits over time. In Kentucky, for instance, the speed limit was raised to 70 mph (110 km/h) in 2007.

Related Topics

Interstate 65 serves as a critical infrastructure component, linking major economic and cultural regions of the United States, enhancing mobility, and supporting commerce throughout its route.