Page:A Study to Eliminate Cardinal Initials on Interstate Routes and Other Needed Changes in Interstate Route Numbering.pdf/1



In accordance with the agreement reached between Mr. F. C. Turner, formerly Federal Highway Administrator, and Mr. A. E. Johnson, Executive Director of AASHO, members of the Office of Traffic Operations met with the AASHO membership to the National Advisory Committee during the NAC meeting on July 19 and 20, 1972, and discussed this study. It was agreed at that time that OTO would prepare a base map with additional detail maps depicting the suggested changes in Interstate route numbering and transmit copies to each AASHO member and alternate of the NAC for their review. This matter was discussed at the January, 1973 meeting of NAC.

The base map has been prepared showing the location or item number, existing Interstate route numbers and proposed changes in a few of these numbers. In addition a separate packet has been prepared for each item number consisting of the general Interstate location in and around urban areas, sections of the appropriate State map and urban area cutouts, all at a larger scale.

The following comments are offered for further explanation of action proposed for each location or item number.

Item #1 - Florida - Tampa Bay Area

Presently I-75 is being designed to split north of Tampa with the eastern leg designated I-75E and the western leg through Tampa, St. Petersburg and across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Palmetto designated as I-75W. In an effort to remove the cardi­nal initials from the route number, the State has suggested that I-75 be routed over the east leg and the west leg be numbered either I-175 or I-275. The determination of the three-digit number being odd or even will depend on whether the portion of presently designated Interstate from the north end of the Sun­shine Skyway Toll Bridge and Causeway south to Palmetto is to remain on the System. In either case the beginning of I-4 would be at the junction of I-175 or I-275 in Tampa. Concurrence in the State's desires is recommended.

Item #2 - Georgia - Macon Area