Texas: The State with the Most Highways in the United States

When it comes to the extensive highway network, Texas stands out as the state with the most miles of highway in the United States. This article explores the reasons behind Texas's leadership in the number of highways, the various categories it excels in, and a few areas where it may not hold the top position.

Extensive Highway Network in Texas

As the largest state in the lower 48 by both area and population, Texas has a vast network of highways that include interstates, U.S. highways, and state highways. This infrastructure is crucial for transportation, commerce, and connectivity both within the state and beyond its borders. The state's extensive highway system supports a high volume of traffic and serves as a backbone for the entire region.

A Report on Highway Miles

Based on figures from 2018, Texas leads the pack in the number of miles of highway. The state boasts an impressive 313,596 miles of highway, significantly more than second-place California's 195,834 miles. Illinois comes in third with 145,840 miles. In contrast, the state with the least miles of highway is Hawaii, with a mere 4,455 miles. Among the continental states, Rhode Island is marginally ahead of Delaware, with 6,046 miles compared to Delaware's 6,416 miles.

Interstate Highway Systems

While Texas certainly leads in total miles of highway, the number of Interstate Highways doesn't automatically place it at the top. For example, Texas and California both have 25 Interstate Highways. However, Texas has more Interstate miles at 35,016 compared to California's 24,552 miles.

Other states also have notable Interstate systems. New York, for instance, has 31 Interstate Highways but only 1,730 miles. Interestingly, if we remove the letter suffixes (e.g., 35E and 35W are counted separately in Texas), Texas would rank lower with 20 Interstate Highways, trailing behind Illinois (24), Pennsylvania (22), and Ohio (21).

Texas: The State with the Most of Everything

Texas is often at the top of the list in terms of highway statistics. The state leads in the number of paved roads, unpaved roads, roads with the highest speed limits (85 mph and 75 mph), two-lane roads, and roads crossing dry creeks and ditches. Additionally, Texas has the most highways equipped with warning signs about possible flash floods and those that cross over 'cattle guards.' Moreover, Texas has the most highways where drivers need to be cautious of potential alligator sightings.

Conclusion

While Texas undoubtedly excels in many categories of highway systems, it may not be the leader in all of them. However, its large and diverse network certainly places it at the top of many lists. The extensive highway system in Texas serves as a testament to the state's commitment to transportation and infrastructure, making it a lifeline for both residents and visitors.

References

For more detailed information, refer to the Federal Highway Administration's Route Log and Finder List.