Highest elevation (outside CO) for interstate highway?

[RoadPhan]

I'm a newbie to this forum, at least in terms of posting, but have
been reading for a while. Thanks to so many people for providing such
great contributions.

This may be a question that has been answered previously in this
group, although a search via Google didn't turn up anything. I know
the highest elevation attained by any interstate highway is on I-70 at
the Eisenhower Tunnel in central Colorado. What's the highest
elevation for an interstate highway outside of the state of Colorado?
Donner Summit in California? Some point on I-70 in Utah?

Being a resident of the Tar Heel state, I already know that the
highest elevation for any interstate highway east of the Mississippi
is at Sams Gap on the newly opened (celebrating its one year
anniversary on Thursday, August 5, as a matter of fact) I-26 at the
TN/NC state line (about 3,800').

Thanks for any help provided.

[Dave]

Post by RoadPhan
I'm a newbie to this forum, at least in terms of posting, but have
been reading for a while. Thanks to so many people for providing such
great contributions.
This may be a question that has been answered previously in this
group, although a search via Google didn't turn up anything. I know
the highest elevation attained by any interstate highway is on I-70 at
the Eisenhower Tunnel in central Colorado. What's the highest
elevation for an interstate highway outside of the state of Colorado?
Donner Summit in California? Some point on I-70 in Utah?
Being a resident of the Tar Heel state, I already know that the
highest elevation for any interstate highway east of the Mississippi
is at Sams Gap on the newly opened (celebrating its one year
anniversary on Thursday, August 5, as a matter of fact) I-26 at the
TN/NC state line (about 3,800').
Thanks for any help provided.

I believe it's Salina Summit (I-70 UT somewhere around milepost 80) at
7923 but I don't know if Idaho or Montana have anything higher, that is
higher than Donner Summit by about 600 feet.

David

[Michael G. Koerner]

Post by Dave

Post by RoadPhan
I'm a newbie to this forum, at least in terms of posting, but have
been reading for a while. Thanks to so many people for providing such
great contributions.
This may be a question that has been answered previously in this
group, although a search via Google didn't turn up anything. I know
the highest elevation attained by any interstate highway is on I-70 at
the Eisenhower Tunnel in central Colorado. What's the highest
elevation for an interstate highway outside of the state of Colorado?
Donner Summit in California? Some point on I-70 in Utah?
Being a resident of the Tar Heel state, I already know that the
highest elevation for any interstate highway east of the Mississippi
is at Sams Gap on the newly opened (celebrating its one year
anniversary on Thursday, August 5, as a matter of fact) I-26 at the
TN/NC state line (about 3,800').
Thanks for any help provided.

I believe it's Salina Summit (I-70 UT somewhere around milepost 80) at
7923 but I don't know if Idaho or Montana have anything higher, that is
higher than Donner Summit by about 600 feet.

I-80 in southern Wyoming might be close at one spot.

[Larry Harvilla]

Post by RoadPhan
I'm a newbie to this forum, at least in terms of posting, but have
been reading for a while. Thanks to so many people for providing such
great contributions.
This may be a question that has been answered previously in this
group, although a search via Google didn't turn up anything. I know
the highest elevation attained by any interstate highway is on I-70 at
the Eisenhower Tunnel in central Colorado. What's the highest
elevation for an interstate highway outside of the state of Colorado?
Donner Summit in California? Some point on I-70 in Utah?
Being a resident of the Tar Heel state, I already know that the
highest elevation for any interstate highway east of the Mississippi
is at Sams Gap on the newly opened (celebrating its one year
anniversary on Thursday, August 5, as a matter of fact) I-26 at the
TN/NC state line (about 3,800').
Thanks for any help provided.

To the best of my knowledge, the highest point on an Interstate outside of
Colorado would be on I-80 about 15 miles east of Laramie, WY. I seem to
recall an elevation of around 8,640 ft., give or take a few.

I'm not aware of any other point on the Interstate system outside Colorado
above 8,000 ft. elevation. I don't think anything on I-70 in Utah exceeds
7,500 ft. -- in fact, I can name another point higher than that: I-40
several miles west of Flagstaff, AZ, reaches almost 7,900 ft. Donner Summit
only reaches about 6,500 ft. or so.

As for Colorado itself, you have already mentioned the Eisenhower Tunnel;
the highest point is at the western portal of the tunnel, at 11,192 ft.. In
addition to this, about 50 miles to the west of the tunnel, Vail Pass
reaches 10,633 ft..

[Rob Carnachan]

Post by Larry Harvilla

Post by RoadPhan
I'm a newbie to this forum, at least in terms of posting, but have
been reading for a while. Thanks to so many people for providing such
great contributions.
This may be a question that has been answered previously in this
group, although a search via Google didn't turn up anything. I know
the highest elevation attained by any interstate highway is on I-70 at
the Eisenhower Tunnel in central Colorado. What's the highest
elevation for an interstate highway outside of the state of Colorado?
Donner Summit in California? Some point on I-70 in Utah?
Being a resident of the Tar Heel state, I already know that the
highest elevation for any interstate highway east of the Mississippi
is at Sams Gap on the newly opened (celebrating its one year
anniversary on Thursday, August 5, as a matter of fact) I-26 at the
TN/NC state line (about 3,800').
Thanks for any help provided.

To the best of my knowledge, the highest point on an Interstate outside of
Colorado would be on I-80 about 15 miles east of Laramie, WY. I seem to
recall an elevation of around 8,640 ft., give or take a few.
I'm not aware of any other point on the Interstate system outside Colorado
above 8,000 ft. elevation. I don't think anything on I-70 in Utah exceeds
7,500 ft. -- in fact, I can name another point higher than that: I-40
several miles west of Flagstaff, AZ, reaches almost 7,900 ft. Donner Summit
only reaches about 6,500 ft. or so.
As for Colorado itself, you have already mentioned the Eisenhower Tunnel;
the highest point is at the western portal of the tunnel, at 11,192 ft.. In
addition to this, about 50 miles to the west of the tunnel, Vail Pass
reaches 10,633 ft..

You are correct -- the highest point on the Interstate Highway System
outside of Colorado is Sherman Hill Summit on I-80 east of Laramie,
Wyoming. The elevation is around 8,700 feet at this point; this is at
the crest of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (here called the
Laramie Range) in southern Wyoming. Ironically, this summit is higher
in elevation than either of the two places where I-80 crosses the
Continental Divide in the Rockies of Wyoming. This is because the
divide, in southern Wyoming, splits into two and surrounds a high,
flat basin before once again following high mountain crests to the
north. I-80 crosses each part of the divide but at elevations of only
around 7,700 feet. I-80 again reaches an elevation of close to 8,000
feet at the crest of the Wasatch Range in Utah (the western "Front" of
the Rocky Mountains) but doesn't exceed this elevation. No other
interstate highway exceeds 8,000 feet in elevation (I-70 comes close
in central Utah at the crest of the Wasatch Range as does I-25 in
northern New Mexico at the Colorado line). Donner Summit is located
in the northern, lower elevation portion of the Sierra Nevada and thus
is only around 7,300 feet.

[Matthew E. Salek]

Post by Rob Carnachan
You are correct -- the highest point on the Interstate Highway System
outside of Colorado is Sherman Hill Summit on I-80 east of Laramie,
Wyoming. The elevation is around 8,700 feet at this point; this is at
the crest of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (here called the
Laramie Range) in southern Wyoming. Ironically, this summit is higher
in elevation than either of the two places where I-80 crosses the
Continental Divide in the Rockies of Wyoming. This is because the
divide, in southern Wyoming, splits into two and surrounds a high,
flat basin before once again following high mountain crests to the
north. I-80 crosses each part of the divide but at elevations of only
around 7,700 feet. I-80 again reaches an elevation of close to 8,000
feet at the crest of the Wasatch Range in Utah (the western "Front" of
the Rocky Mountains) but doesn't exceed this elevation. No other
interstate highway exceeds 8,000 feet in elevation (I-70 comes close
in central Utah at the crest of the Wasatch Range as does I-25 in
northern New Mexico at the Colorado line). Donner Summit is located
in the northern, lower elevation portion of the Sierra Nevada and thus
is only around 7,300 feet.

Besides Raton Pass (7830') the other notable high point on I-25 is
Monument Hill north of Colorado Springs (7350').

[Rick Powell]

Post by Rob Carnachan
You are correct -- the highest point on the Interstate Highway System
outside of Colorado is Sherman Hill Summit on I-80 east of Laramie,
Wyoming. The elevation is around 8,700 feet at this point; this is at
the crest of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (here called the
Laramie Range) in southern Wyoming. Ironically, this summit is higher
in elevation than either of the two places where I-80 crosses the
Continental Divide in the Rockies of Wyoming. This is because the
divide, in southern Wyoming, splits into two and surrounds a high,
flat basin before once again following high mountain crests to the
north. I-80 crosses each part of the divide but at elevations of only
around 7,700 feet. I-80 again reaches an elevation of close to 8,000
feet at the crest of the Wasatch Range in Utah (the western "Front" of
the Rocky Mountains) but doesn't exceed this elevation. No other
interstate highway exceeds 8,000 feet in elevation (I-70 comes close
in central Utah at the crest of the Wasatch Range as does I-25 in
northern New Mexico at the Colorado line). Donner Summit is located
in the northern, lower elevation portion of the Sierra Nevada and thus
is only around 7,300 feet.

What is the elevation where I-94 crosses the divide in Montana?

RP

[Macka Spliff Yamamoto]

Raton Pass is 7380 feet at JN 462-Right on the CO-NM line.
http://mryamamoto.topcities.com/vidcaps1/vidcap1.htm has a 90's shot of
that bit.

[Michael G. Koerner]

Post by Rick Powell

Post by Rob Carnachan
You are correct -- the highest point on the Interstate Highway System
outside of Colorado is Sherman Hill Summit on I-80 east of Laramie,
Wyoming. The elevation is around 8,700 feet at this point; this is at
the crest of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (here called the
Laramie Range) in southern Wyoming. Ironically, this summit is higher
in elevation than either of the two places where I-80 crosses the
Continental Divide in the Rockies of Wyoming. This is because the
divide, in southern Wyoming, splits into two and surrounds a high,
flat basin before once again following high mountain crests to the
north. I-80 crosses each part of the divide but at elevations of only
around 7,700 feet. I-80 again reaches an elevation of close to 8,000
feet at the crest of the Wasatch Range in Utah (the western "Front" of
the Rocky Mountains) but doesn't exceed this elevation. No other
interstate highway exceeds 8,000 feet in elevation (I-70 comes close
in central Utah at the crest of the Wasatch Range as does I-25 in
northern New Mexico at the Colorado line). Donner Summit is located
in the northern, lower elevation portion of the Sierra Nevada and thus
is only around 7,300 feet.

What is the elevation where I-94 crosses the divide in Montana?

I-94 does not cross the Continental Divide. You might be thinking of
I-90. It's crossing is well below the summit of I-80 near Laramie, WY.

[Alan Hamilton]

On Thu, 5 Aug 2004 01:35:50 -0400, "Larry Harvilla"

Post by Larry Harvilla
I'm not aware of any other point on the Interstate system outside Colorado
above 8,000 ft. elevation. I don't think anything on I-70 in Utah exceeds
7,500 ft. -- in fact, I can name another point higher than that: I-40
several miles west of Flagstaff, AZ, reaches almost 7,900 ft. Donner Summit
only reaches about 6,500 ft. or so.

The Arizona Divide on I-40 is 7335 ft. US 66 topped out at 7414 here.

Emigrant Pass on I-70 (east of Salina, UT) is 7920. Anyone got one
that beats that?

I-90 in Montana is just 6300 in Homestake Pass, just east of Butte.
I-15 is 6900 at Monida Pass, MT/ID.

[Dave]

OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
the list would so far be:

By State:
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
6. Arizona- Hermann Pass (I-17) @7,000 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)

By Interstate:
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
4. I-17 Hermann Pass (AZ) @7000 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????


The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

I didn't know about the pass in Wyoming or New Mexico until this thread.
Kinda neet, shouldn't this be FAQ material?
David

[Rich Piehl]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean
I didn't know about the pass in Wyoming or New Mexico until this thread.
Kinda neet, shouldn't this be FAQ material?
David

I think you've got an extra zero in the Arizona/I-17 list. Very
informative, though.

Take care,
Rich

God bless the USA

[Steve Riner]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????

The high point on I-40 in Arizona (highest point therefore, by state
and by interstate, in both lists above) is just above 7250 feet west
of Flagstaff. I believe that the high point on I-40 in Arizona is just
slightly higher than the high point in New Mexico (7250 ft. at the
Continental Divide).


Steve Riner
Pueblo West CO

Explore New Mexico and Minnesota Highways
http://www.steve-riner.com/nmhighways/nmhome.htm
http://www.steve-riner.com/mnhighways/mnhome.htm

[Rich Piehl]

Post by Steve Riner

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????

The high point on I-40 in Arizona (highest point therefore, by state
and by interstate, in both lists above) is just above 7250 feet west
of Flagstaff. I believe that the high point on I-40 in Arizona is just
slightly higher than the high point in New Mexico (7250 ft. at the
Continental Divide).
Steve Riner
Pueblo West CO

A thousand apologies. I misread the @ as an 8. I was seeing 87,000 feet.

My new bifocal glasses are due in this week (I'm serious about that, too).

Take care,
Rich

God bless the USA

[Macka Spliff Yamamoto]

[snip]

Post by Rich Piehl
My new bifocal glasses are due in this week (I'm serious about that, too).
Take care,
Rich
God bless the USA

Just look up and squint a little :)

[Rich Piehl]

Post by Macka Spliff Yamamoto
[snip]

Post by Rich Piehl
My new bifocal glasses are due in this week (I'm serious about that, too).
Take care,
Rich
God bless the USA

Just look up and squint a little :)

Just call me "old geezer" and we'll go from there.


Take care,
Rich

God bless the USA

[John F. Carr]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)

This is the I-90 and Interstate high point in Massachusetts:
<Loading Image...> (westbound)
<Loading Image...> (eastbound)
According to the Turnpike FAQ, the sign is in the town of Becket.

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

Unlike some roads, Interstates do not dive into the ocean.
They use bridges or tunnels. I know people have attempted
to compile a list before. I-93 is about 50 feet below sea
level under Boston, and I-90 passes under Boston Harbor in
a tunnel. I think Mobile Bay has a tunnel too.

[Eric Opperman]

Post by John F. Carr

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)

<http://www.mit.edu/~jfc/I-90/highest-point.jpg> (westbound)
<http://www.gribblenation.net/nepics/ma/90/oacoma.jpg> (eastbound)
According to the Turnpike FAQ, the sign is in the town of Becket.

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

Unlike some roads, Interstates do not dive into the ocean.
They use bridges or tunnels. I know people have attempted
to compile a list before. I-93 is about 50 feet below sea
level under Boston, and I-90 passes under Boston Harbor in
a tunnel. I think Mobile Bay has a tunnel too.

IIRC it's a bridge over the bay, but a tunnel under the Mobile River.

[Doug Krause]

Post by John F. Carr
<http://www.mit.edu/~jfc/I-90/highest-point.jpg> (westbound)
<http://www.gribblenation.net/nepics/ma/90/oacoma.jpg> (eastbound)
According to the Turnpike FAQ, the sign is in the town of Becket.

Just went through there last week, it is in Becket. The
shape of the towns and the routing of the Mass Pike through
there leads to an interesting thing: Going west you pass
through Blandford, Otis, Becket, Otis, Becket, Lee.

[Monte Castleman]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"

Minnesota
High Point: I-35 just east of the Esko exit: 2000 feet.
Low Point: I-35, Duluth Tunnels. Not much above Lake Superior, which is
600 feet.

[Michael G. Koerner]

Post by Monte Castleman

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"

Minnesota
High Point: I-35 just east of the Esko exit: 2000 feet.
Low Point: I-35, Duluth Tunnels. Not much above Lake Superior, which is
600 feet.

How high is I-90 at the Mississippi River?

[Neil Bratney]

Post by Michael G. Koerner

Post by Monte Castleman
Minnesota
High Point: I-35 just east of the Esko exit: 2000 feet.
Low Point: I-35, Duluth Tunnels. Not much above Lake Superior, which is
600 feet.

How high is I-90 at the Mississippi River?

Looks like I-90 at the Mississippi is 674' while I-35 goes down to
pretty close to lake level of 602'.

I think Lake Superior is the generally accepted Low-Point of the state
(602') instead of the Mighty Miss (623') at the Iowa border. Which
makes the low point and high point (2301') pretty close together!

[Marc Fannin]

Post by Dave
Kinda neet, shouldn't this be FAQ material?

It already is :) http://www.roadfan.com/mtrfaq.html#a615 But
because I neglected to read the phrase "other than", I'll have to fix
it :P

________________________________________________________________________
Marc Fannin|***@kent.edu or @hotmail.com| http://www.roadfan.com/

[Robert Cruickshank]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.

Oregon- Siskiyou Summit (I-5) 4,310 ft.

Post by Dave
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.

Washington- Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) 3,022 ft.

Post by Dave
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????

#. I-5 Siskiyou Summit (OR) 4,310 ft

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean
I didn't know about the pass in Wyoming or New Mexico until this thread.
Kinda neet, shouldn't this be FAQ material?
David

[Michael Moroney]

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.

Nope.
The new lowest is I-93 NB in Boston, where the new Big Dig tunnel is 120
feet below street level at its lowest (where it goes below the Red Line
subway tunnel), or about 100' below sea level.

Post by Dave
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

[Doug Krause]

Post by Michael Moroney

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.

Nope.
The new lowest is I-93 NB in Boston, where the new Big Dig tunnel is 120
feet below street level at its lowest (where it goes below the Red Line
subway tunnel), or about 100' below sea level.

How deep are the Fort McHenry and Harbor Tunnels in Baltimore?

[Scott M. Kozel]

Post by Doug Krause

Post by Michael Moroney

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.

Nope.
The new lowest is I-93 NB in Boston, where the new Big Dig tunnel is 120
feet below street level at its lowest (where it goes below the Red Line
subway tunnel), or about 100' below sea level.

How deep are the Fort McHenry

The roadway reaches a maximum depth of 107 feet below harbor water
surface level (same as sea level).

Post by Doug Krause
and Harbor Tunnels in Baltimore?

The roadway reaches a maximum depth of 101 feet below harbor water
surface level.

[RoadPhan]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

I know I-77 in Virginia at Fancy Gap (just north of the NC state line)
is at about 3,200 feet elevation, and I-68 in Garrett County, Maryland
peaks at around 2,900 feet.

[Larry Harvilla]

Post by Dave
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

Close, but no cigar. The lowest land point on any Interstate is on I-8 near
El Centro, CA, at an elevation of approximately -45 ft. I-10 also gets
below sea level near Indio, CA, but only down to -13 ft., IIRC.

There are still points lower than these, though, in tunnels. The lowest
point on the Interstate system is a toss-up between I-64 in the tunnel
section of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (between Hampton and Norfolk,
VA) and the new I-93 "Big Dig" tunnel in Boston, both at around -110 ft. at
pavement level.

[Larry Scholnick]

Post by Larry Harvilla
There are still points lower than these, though, in tunnels. The lowest
point on the Interstate system is a toss-up between I-64 in the tunnel
section of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (between Hampton and Norfolk,
VA) and the new I-93 "Big Dig" tunnel in Boston, both at around -110 ft. at
pavement level.

When acquaintances denigrate Road Geeking as unimportant, we can point to
this discussion as a
<humor> DEEP SUBJECT </humor>.

[Marc Fannin]

Post by Larry Harvilla
Close, but no cigar. The lowest land point on any Interstate is on I-8 near
El Centro, CA, at an elevation of approximately -45 ft. I-10 also gets
below sea level near Indio, CA, but only down to -13 ft., IIRC.
There are still points lower than these, though, in tunnels. The lowest
point on the Interstate system is a toss-up between I-64 in the tunnel
section of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (between Hampton and Norfolk,
VA) and the new I-93 "Big Dig" tunnel in Boston, both at around -110 ft. at
pavement level.

The Big Dig wins.

Question 6.15 rewritten:

"Q: What are the highest and lowest elevations on the Interstate
system?

"A: I-70 in CO near the west portals of of the Eisenhower Memorial
Tunnel (MM 213-215) under the Continental Divide east of Dillon is
11,192 feet above sea level. (Map:
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?t=2&s=12&x=525&y=5490&z=13&w=2 ;
see also http://www.dot.state.co.us/eisenhower/ and
http://www.mesalek.com/colo/i70.html ) The second-highest is also on
I-70 in CO at Vail Pass (Exit 190) which reaches an elevation of
10,666 feet above sea level. (Map:
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?t=2&s=12&x=494&y=5470&z=13&w=2 ;
see also http://www.mesalek.com/colo/i70.html ) The third-highest, the
highest outside CO, is I-80 in WY just south of the WY 210 interchange
(Exit 323) near Sherman Hill which reaches an elevation of 8,640 feet
above sea level. (Map:
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?t=2&s=12&x=579&y=5706&z=13&w=2 ;
see also http://www.roadfan.com/eastwym.html ,
http://www.aaroads.com/wyoming/i-080b.html )

"The lowest point above ground is likely I-8 in CA south of Seeley at
the New River (west of Exit 107) which is about 45 feet below sea
level. (Map: http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?t=2&s=12&x=778&y=4533&z=11&w=2
; see also http://www.westcoastroads.com/california/i-008b_ca.html )
The lowest underground elevation is within the "Big Dig" tunnels along
I-93 in Boston at 120 feet below sea level (
http://www.bigdig.com/thtml/gw_red.htm ), with the second-lowest on
I-64 in the tunnel portion of VA's Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel at 108
feet below sea level (
http://www.roadstothefuture.com/I64_VA_HRBT.html ).

"Aug 10, 2004"

http://www.roadfan.com/mtrfaq.html#a615

________________________________________________________________________
Marc Fannin|***@kent.edu or @hotmail.com| http://www.roadfan.com/

[Larry Harvilla]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"

(snipped)

I'll tackle the highest and lowest points for the four 2-digit Interstates
in my home state of Michigan.

I-75:
Low point -- 584 ft., bottom of the south approach to the Rouge River
bridge in southwest Detroit
High point -- 1,452 ft., just northeast of the town of Otsego Lake in
Otsego County (I'm guessing MP 273 or so)

I-69:
Low point -- 599 ft., bottom of the west approach to the Blue Water Bridge
in Port Huron
High point -- 1,055 ft., about 700 feet north of the Indiana state line

I-94:
Low point -- 590 ft., just southwest of the Michigan Ave. exit (#210) in
east Dearborn
High point -- 1,057 ft., near MP 149 (just west of the Grass Lake exit) in
Jackson County

I-96:
Low point -- 594 ft., about 1/4 mile east of the Nunica exit (#10)
High point -- 1,032 ft., a few hundred feet west of the New Hudson exit
(#155)

(Data from my copy of DeLorme TopoUSA 4.0.)

So it looks like I-75 has both the highest and the lowest points on
Michigan's 2dIs.

[Michael G. Koerner]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)

I-95's highest point in Delaware should be lower than I-75's highest
point in FL.

Post by Dave
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean

What is the lowest underwater tunnel in the northeast?

[Alan Hamilton]

On Thu, 05 Aug 2004 22:58:18 -0700, Dave
Actually, the highest point is the Arizona Summit on I-40, just west
of Flagstaff at 7335ft.

The high point on I-17 is at its junction with AZ 89A at 7000ft.,
though I've never heard it called Hermann Pass. I-17 goes down a
little bit before meeting I-40 at 6950ft.

The low point is I-8 at the Colorado River. The river itself is at
120 ft., but I-8 arcs fairly high over it, so the lowest point is
probably near exit 1.

Post by Dave
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.

I don't think so. I-10 hits its lowest point just east of Indio, CA,
where it hits -20 at CA 86S.

I think the lowest interstate that's not in a tunnel is probably I-8
near El Centro, at about -40 ft at the New River. There's a big tank
in the area with a "SEA LEVEL" line painted on it.

[Kevin Flynn]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean
I didn't know about the pass in Wyoming or New Mexico until this thread.
Kinda neet, shouldn't this be FAQ material?
David

Where would you place Vail Pass, also in Colorado, which at 10,666
feet looks to be the second-highest point on an interstate highway in
the country? That's higher than the Sherman Hill Summit in WY which
you have in second place.

[d***@gmail.com]

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"
1. Colorado- Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) 11,292 ft.
2. Wyoming- Sherman Hill Summit (I-80) 8,640 ft.
3. Utah- Salina Summit (I-70) 7,923 ft.
4. New Mexico- Raton Pass (I-25) 7,830 ft.
5. California- Donner Summit (I-80) 7,239 ft.
7. Nevada- Pequop Summit (I-80) 6,967 ft.
8/9. Idaho/Montana- Monida Pass (I-15) 6,823 ft.
...
??/??. TN/NC Sams Gap (I-26) 3,800 ft.
...
50. Florida =-)
1. I-70 Eisenhower Tunnel (CO) 11,292 ft.
2. I-80 Sherman Hill Summit (WY) 8,640 ft.
3. I-25 Raton Pass (NM) 7,830 ft.
5. I-40 Parks (AZ) 6998 ft. ????
6. I-15 Monida Pass (ID/MT) 6,823 ft.
7. I-90 Pipestone Pass (MT) 6,452 ft. ????
The Interstate Low Points are easier
1. California Coachella Valley (I-10) -71 ft.
2. Anywhere where the interstate meets the ocean
I didn't know about the pass in Wyoming or New Mexico until this thread.
Kinda neet, shouldn't this be FAQ material?
David

This list is missing I 80 at Parley's Summit. Between Salt Lake City and Park City. 7,016 ft.

[John Levine]

Post by d***@gmail.com

Post by Dave
OK. So if if someone were to make a list of the "Interstate High Points"

This list is missing I 80 at Parley's Summit. Between Salt Lake City and Park City. 7,016 ft.

Glad to see someone's finally catching up on his reading from 11 years ago.

[c***@gmail.com]

I-10 at Crestview, Florida is probably the highest point on I-10 in Florida.