and there's a lot of ground to be covered between point A and point B so the state builds something equivalent but still has the function to connect all local points. Yeah, they need one off those lights way ahead of othe lights warning you the lights way ahead will be turning red soon type of stuff.

highways. From Wiki: U.S. Route 71 or U.S. Highway 71 (US 71) is a major north–south United States highway that extends for over 1500 miles (2500 km) in the central United States. This original 1926 route has remained largely unchanged by encroaching Interstate highways. So it's just part of the old highway system, but unlike Route 11 (also created in the 1926 act) never got parallelled/replaced by an interstate. Maybe towns are so far apart it never needed to be replaced: it acted as the interstate for the most part. ** Edited by `lag at 2/15/2026, 11:25:18 AM

An Interstate is a specific type of federal, high-speed, limited-access highway that crosses state lines, forming part of a national network. A highway is a broader term for any major public, paved road connecting cities and towns. While all Interstates are highways, not all highways are Interstates. Interstate (Interstate Highway System) Definition: Part of the national network authorized by the Federal Highway Administration, designed for high-speed, long-distance travel. Interstate Key Features: Always divided, limited access (no traffic lights or intersections), and usually four or more lanes. Signage: Red, white, and blue shield markers. Purpose: Primarily for interstate commerce and national defense. Highway Definition: Any main, public road connecting cities or regions. Key Features: Can be 2-lane roads or multi-lane freeways. They may include at-grade crossings, traffic lights, and direct access to businesses or residences. Types: Includes state highways, US numbered highways, local, and rural roads. Usage: Used for both long-distance travel and shorter, local trips. Key Differences Scope: Interstates connect states; highways can be solely within one state (intrastate). Access Control: Interstates are always limited-access (no stoplights); highways can have intersections. Funding: Interstates are federally funded/influenced, whereas many highways are state-maintained.

Like for example, I 81 Was built along the same corridor as Route 11 replacing it as the conduit for long-distance travel or not. ** Edited by `lag at 2/15/2026, 5:13:54 PM