Why does Interstate 40 not connect to I-5?

Question

Why does an Interstate system end in Barstow, California?

Answer 1

It was always planned that the I40 would connect to the I5. However, funding was not made available as at the time there was not a lot of demand. However, with the demand now for trucks to bypass LA, this is now on the time table again and work has begun to put this connector in.

To get an idea of the demand just drive by Kramer Junction one day between Barstow and Mojave. See the huge number of trucks there.

Answer 2

It connects to I-15!

Answer 3

Many interstates end in odd places especially in the western states. Some examples would be I-70 which ends in Cave Creek,UT I-25 which ends in Las Cruces,NM and I-20 which ends in Spring Hills,TX As for the I-40 issue, the plan was origionally to extend it all the way to I-5 through Bakersfield but the state of California will not make the necessary improvements in two areas (Boron & central Bakersfield) other than that, CA highway 58 is pretty much continuing freeway where I-40 ends all the way to I-5

Answer 4

For the most part, I-40 follows the old Route 66. While R-66 went all the way into LA, I-40 terminates in Barstow. You can connect to the I-5 by taking SR-58 west from Barstow through Bakersfield to Bowerbank.

As far as freeway length goes, CA has a couple of shorties in the I-110 (Pasadena to San Pedro) and I-710 (Alhambra to Long Beach).

Answer 5

Because when the Interstate planners got to Barstow, they thought it looked like the end of the world and didn't see any point in going farther. If Christopher Columbus had been with them, I 40 would probably end at the Pacific Ocean.

Answer 6

It's got to end somewhere.

Answer 7

the 40 was the replacement for 66. You can still drive the 66 along the side of it. It's great, but the road it rough.

110: the original freeway aka "parkway"