Northbound Interstate 55 (and U.S. 61-64-70-79) crosses the Mississippi River on this cantilever truss bridge (built in 1949 and thus predates the Interstate. The bridge does not meet modern Interstate standards due to its lack of shoulders. However, this bridge is the only Interstate Highway bridge in Tennessee to be on the National Register of Historic Places.3 Interstate 55 crosses the Mississippi River again on another bridge that connects St. Louis, Missouri, with East St. Louis, Illinois. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/19/05).
Routing
For much of its length, Interstate 55 parallels the Mississippi River, from the town of La Place (located west of New Orleans in the Delta region) north to the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in St. Louis. At St. Louis, Interstate 55 turns northeast to end in the Windy City of Chicago.
Interstate 55 parallels U.S. 51 from New Orleans north to Memphis, then follows U.S. 61 from Memphis north to St. Louis. Between Memphis and St. Louis, U.S. 51 remains east of the Mississippi River, while Interstate 55 stays west of the river. At St. Louis, Interstate 55 replaced U.S. 66 all the way to Chicago. U.S. 51 and Interstate 55 meet again at Bloomington-Normal, and U.S. 51 north of that city has been largely subsumed by Interstate 39.
Guide
The northern terminus of Interstate 55 is in downtown Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan at Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41) near the sprawling McCormick Place, the city's convention center. At the southern terminus, Interstate 55 directs traffic onto Interstate 10 on the western fringes of Lake Ponchartrain to serve the New Orleans metropolitan area. U.S. 51, which parallels Interstate 55 through Mississippi and Louisiana, terminates a few miles away at its intersection with U.S. 61.
Interstate 55 serves the cities of Jackson, Memphis, St. Louis, and Springfield via a somewhat indirect alignment. It is faster to take Interstate 57 between Sikeston, Missouri, and Chicago, thus avoiding the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Between St. Louis and Chicago, Interstate 55 follows the old alignment of the eastern leg of U.S. 66. Some stretches of Old U.S. 66 are marked as an historical route, and city stretches are often designated as business loops. The section of Interstate 55 between Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and the southern terminus at Interstate 10 near La Place is elevated.
Planned Improvements
Roadwork is underway along Interstate 55 between the northern terminus of Interstate 220 to the northern Jackson suburb of Ridgeland. This project entails the reconstruction of the Old Agency Road interchange (Exit 105B) from that of a diamond to that of a partial cloverleaf. Associated is the five-lane widening of Old Agency Road to Highland Colony Parkway. There a multi-lane roundabout will be constructed. For Interstate 55 this means a widening from Interstate 220 (Exit 104) to Exit 105B from four to six lanes, a distance of approximately 1.6 miles. This includes construction of auxiliary lanes in some areas. The Natchez Trace Parkway overpass will also be reconstructed, and a small part of the highway itself remains closed related to the project. The $16.8 million improvement started February of 2001. Construction should be complete May 2004.1
History
The first section of Interstate 55 approved for construction in Mississippi was a 27-mile segment through Hernando, Coldwater, and Senatobia. The contract was advertised in late 1956, and groundbreaking for construction followed in July 1957 in Coldwater.4
Interstate 55 in Chicago, Illinois, follows the Stevenson Expressway. This freeway, which was originally known as the Southwest Expressway, extended from the Cook-DuPage County Line northeast to Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway. The expressway opened to traffic on September 1, 1964. Exactly one year later, the Southwest Expressway was renamed the Adlai E. Stevenson Expressway on September 1, 1965, in memory of the former Illinois state governor. The short extension from Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway east to U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive was completed in 1966, thus completing Interstate 55 in Chicago.5, 6
Southern Terminus - Interstate 10 - La Place, Louisiana
Perspective from Interstate 55 south
At the beginning of the longest continuous viaduct in the world is this mileage sign for the final 23 miles of Interstate 55. Business U.S. 51 merges in at this point from Hammond, as U.S. 51 overlaps with Interstate 55 for the next 22 miles. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/13/03).
Interstate 55/U.S. 51 southbound as they cross over Manchac Pass. This waterway serves the Port of Manchac as it connects Lake Maurepas with Lake Pontchartrain. The mileage sign is displayed as Interstate 55 just passed the Manchac interchange of Exit 15. Visible to the left are the original alignments of U.S. 51 as they travel southward to Rudduck (the final mainline interchange of Interstate 55). Rudduck incidentally is generally regarded as a ghost town. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/13/03).
Six miles separate Rudduck from the final mainline interchange of Interstate 55. This interchange, Exit 1, is the southbound departure of U.S. 51 from Interstate 55. The duo have shared pavement for 27 miles since merging at the city of Hammond up to this point. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/13/03).
Continuing toward Exit 1/U.S. 51 south on Interstate 55 south. Traffic destined for Interstate 10 westbound must use this interchange and U.S. 51 south as there is no direct connection from Interstate 55 south. The mainline of Interstate 55 south will default onto Interstate 10 eastbound in two miles. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/13/03).
Interstate 55 essentially draws to a close at Exit 1. This interchange is a folded diamond with access for U.S. 51 south from Interstate 55 south and to Interstate 55 north from U.S. 51 north. Traffic continuing on the Interstate 55 mainline will merge onto Interstate 10 east in one mile. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/13/03).
Merging onto Interstate 10 eastbound from Interstate 55 south. An Interstate 10 Louisiana reassurance shield is posted before the Interstate 55 lane completes its merge. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/13/03).
Perspective from Interstate 10 west
This single post guide sign is the first indication to westbound Interstate 10 travelers of the pending split with Interstate 55 north. Motorists wishing to travel on an elevated viaduct can continue that aspect for another 23 miles on Interstate 55 northbound to Pontchatoula. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/15/05).
Interstate 10 westbound at the southern terminus of Interstate 55. This interchange is entirely elevated over wetlands. Old U.S. 51 parallels Interstate 55 from Exit 1 (southbound only) until Ponchatoula. U.S. 51 splits from Interstate 55 at the same interchange for its final four miles to LaPlace and U.S. 61. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/15/05).
The split of Interstate 55 north/Exit 210 from Interstate 10 westbound. Two lanes are allocated for the beginning Interstate, as it is an important link between metro New Orleans and Ponchatoula. The September 26, 2002 landfall of Tropical Storm Isidore tested the capacity of this interchange. Both Interstates meet Interstate 12. Interstate 10 intercepts the western terminus at the "Red Stick" in 51 miles while Interstate 55 bisects the route in 29 miles. Exit 209 for U.S. 51, unlike the interchanges of Interstate 55 with the same route and Interstate 10, gives full access. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/15/05).
Next Three Interstate Junctions for Interstate 10 west
The only access from Eastbound Interstate 10 to Northbound Interstate 55 is via the U.S. 51 exit. The interchange of Interstate 10/55 is a standard "Y" interchange, with access to/from Westbound Interstate 10/Northbound Interstate 55 and Southbound Interstate 55/Eastbound Interstate 10. Traffic from Southbound Interstate 55 to Westbound Interstate 10 must use U.S. 51 Southbound. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/01).
Eastbound Interstate 10 at U.S. 51. The next interchange for Interstate 10 East is at the northern terminus Interstate 310, which is located 11 miles east of Interstate 55. The entire 11-mile stretch of Interstate 10 between Interstate 55 and Interstate 310 is on a viaduct. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/01).
Off-ramp from Interstate 10 Eastbound to U.S. 51 and associated Interstate 55 trailblazer. Traffic that turns right travels the final four miles of U.S. 51 to its terminus at U.S. 61 in La Place. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/01).
Overheads on U.S. 51 Northbound at the Interstate 10 interchange. Interstate 55 can be seen in the distance. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/01).
On-ramp from U.S. 51 Northbound (Interstate 10 Eastbound) to Interstate 55 northbound. U.S. 51 overlaps from this location with Interstate 55 northward to Ponchatoula. The old U.S. route parallels Interstate 55 for local traffic interests. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/01).
Meanwhile back on Interstate 10 eastbound, the flyover ramp for Interstate 55 southbound traffic to Interstate 10 eastbound travels unceremoniously ahead. The next exit for eastbound traffic is Exit 220, the northern terminus of Interstate 310. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman/Andy Field (08/12/02).
Next Three Interstate Junctions for Interstate 10 east
This is one of the first shield assemblies for northbound Interstate 55 and U.S. 51 after the junction with Interstate 10 at Exit 210. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/15/05).
Northern Terminus - U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive - Chicago, Illinois
Perspective from Interstate 55 north
Northbound Interstate 55/Adlai Stevenson Expressway reaches Exit 290, Damen Avenue/Ashland Avenue. The last Interstate-to-Interstate connection along northbound is Exit 292A-B, Junction Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Use northbound Interstate 55 to Lake Shore Drive and McCormick Place. Use Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway north (west) to Wisconsin and south (east) to Indiana. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
The right lane becomes exit only for westbound (northbound) Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway to the Circle Interchange with Interstate 290 and Congress Parkway, then transitions onto the Kennedy Expressway to the North Suburbs and O'Hare International Airport. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Northbound Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway now has a control destination of Lake Shore Drive. Exit 292A serves Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway north (west). Exit 292B connects to Interstate 90-94 south (east) to Gary, Indiana. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Use northbound Interstate 55 to McCormick Place, which is Chicago's convention center. The expressway travels directly toward the convention center, which is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan and partially straddles U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Northbound Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway reaches Exit 292B, Junction Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway east (south). The two routes split at the Chicago Skyway interchange; use Interstate 94 south to Interstate 57 and the south suburbs. Oddly, Interstate 55 "north" is traveling nearly due east, and Interstate 90-94 is a north-south freeway. The next exit is Exit 293A, Cermak Road. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Continuing east, northbound Interstate 55 passes under Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway as the freeway approaches Exit 293A, Cermak Road. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Northbound Interstate 55 reaches Exit 293A, Cermak Road. The next exit is Exit 293D, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The final interchange is Exit 294, Junction U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
The last mainline interchange of Interstate 55 is Exit 293D with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Interstate 55 draws to a close in one half mile. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
This is the final reassurance shield for north Interstate 55 (after the Cermak Road exit below the Rock Island Railroad overpass). Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Another set of overheads provide the distance to Exit 293D, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Exit 294, Junction U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Interstate 55 travels due east as it approaches U.S. 41 near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Depicted here is the Indiana Avenue overpass and overheads for Exit 293D and McCormick Place. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Northbound Interstate 55 reaches its penultimate exit: Exit 293D, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The final exit is Exit 294, Junction U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
The second to last sign bridge of Interstate 55 is posted just past the departure of Exit 293D. Traffic defaults onto U.S. 41/Lakeshore Drive northbound ahead. While the federal route features at-grade intersections within the vicinity of Interstate 55, Lakeshore Drive upgrades to a freeway to the north of downtown Chicago. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Interstate 55 concludes its northeasterly trajectory and partitions into ramps for U.S. 41/Lakeshore Drive. As noted on the signs, trucks are only allowed to turn southbound on Lake Shore Drive. Not visible from this elevated interchange is McCormick Place, which is Chicago's convention center. It is situated between Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan itself. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Two end shields flank the north end. One of them is visible on the left lanes that transition onto northbound U.S. 41; the second one shown here is for traffic turning onto southbound U.S. 41. U.S. 41 holds some significance in Interstate history here. The highway was once proposed as part of an Interstate 494 downtown loop along Lakeshore Drive. The highway never came to fruition as it would have involved serious alteration of the Lake Michigan waterfront. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
This is the other end Interstate 55 shield, which is posted on the ramp to northbound U.S. 41. A similar shield is posted on the southbound ramp (see previous photobox). A begin Interstate 55 shield is posted in the opposite direction. The Interstate 55 and U.S. 41 connection provides a direct route into the city of Chicago. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/25/03).
Shortly after merging onto northbound U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive, Interstate 55 traffic passes by McCormick Place. Just ahead is Soldier Field, home of the NFL's Chicago Bears, and the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/25/03).
Perspective from U.S. 41 south
The northern end of Interstate 55 is at Junction U.S. 41. This picture is along southbound U.S. 41 (Lake Shore Drive) one mile ahead of the interchange. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
After the 18th Street (Waldron Drive) intersection, the next advance sign for the junction with Interstate 55 is placed here. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
These Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 trailblazers are posted on southbound U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive. The McCormick Place Convention Center is located after this interchange. The transition ramp will lead from U.S. 41 southbound to the southbound beginning of Interstate 55 (Adlai E. Stevenson Expressway). Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Interstate 55 continues west from this exit, then turns southwest after passing Interstate 90/Interstate 94 (Dan Ryan Expressway, which is among the busiest freeways in the world). The Stevenson Expressway generally parallels old U.S. 66 en route toward Joliet. The first mainline interchange of Interstate 55 southbound is with State Street. Just past that ramp is the junction with the Dan Ryan Expressway. Photo taken by Chris Patriarca (05/25/03).
Perspective from Interstate 55 south
Begin Interstate 55 signage at the top of the flyover ramp that connects Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway with U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive. Illinois does a good job of signing the beginnings and ends of its routes, with signage such as this to mark the beginning of the highway on its journey from the Windy City south to the lands of Delta Blues and Zydeco music. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
The State Street interchange (Exit 293C) is the first exit on southbound Interstate 55, followed by the junction with Interstate 90-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway). Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
As southbound Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway approaches Exit 293C, State Street, construction is underway on the north side of the freeway. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Southbound Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway reaches Exit 293C, State Street. The next interchange is the junction with Interstate 90-94/Dan Ryan Expressway. The first ramp (Exit 293B) connects to Interstate 90-94 west (north) to Wisconsin, while the second ramp (Exit 293A) connects to Interstate 90-94 east (south) to Indiana. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
To the south, Interstate 90-94 follow the Dan Ryan Expressway for several miles, then divide at the Chicago Skyway. Interstate 90 follows the Skyway, which connects directly to the Indiana Toll Road en route to South Bend and Toledo. Interstate 94, meanwhile, follows the Dan Ryan Expressway to Interstate 57, which is the longest Interstate Highway in Illinois. Interstate 57 serves Kankakee, Champaign-Urbana, Mattoon, Effingham, Mt. Vernon, and Marion before it departs the state near Cairo. It is part of a more direct route to Memphis and New Orleans than Interstate 55 since it avoids the St. Louis metropolitan area. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
To the north, Interstate 90-94 briefly follow the Dan Ryan Expressway before it turns into the John F. Kennedy Expressway. The two routes split at the Edens Expressway junction. Interstate 90 follows the Kennedy Expressway northwest toward O'Hare International Airport, then transitions onto the Northwest Tollway toward Rockford and Beloit. Interstate 94 follows the Edens Expressway north to the Tri-State Tollway, and it continues north along with U.S. 41 toward Milwaukee. Southbound Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway, meanwhile, continues southwest parallel to the old U.S. 66 route toward Joliet, Bloomington-Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, and St. Louis. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Perspective from U.S. 41 north
New overhead on U.S. 41 northbound announcing the upcoming junction of Interstate 55 in one mile. The stretch of Lake Shore Drive south of Interstate 55 has been under reconstruction for quite a while (according to Brian Dowd), and it is a mess there. But, new signage has been erected in consequence.2 Photo taken by Dan Garnell (08/28/03).
With the world-famous Sears Tower looming in the background, U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive northbound approaches the junction with southbound Interstate 55/Adlai E. Stevenson Expressway. The southbound control city is St. Louis, although Interstate 55 connects to Joliet and several downstate cities, such as Bloomington-Normal, Lincoln, and Springfield. Photo taken by Nick Poulos (04/02).
Northbound U.S. 41/Lake Shore Drive reaches the offramp to southbound Interstate 55/Lake Shore Drive. The skyline of the Windy City is visible from the interchange. Photo taken by AARoads (09/03/05).
Ascending upon the southbound Interstate 55 ramp from U.S. 41 northbound. The McCormick Place Convention Center sprawls beyond the curved flyover. Interstate 55 meets the Interstate 90/94 overlap in less than two miles. Compare the upgraded ramp after reconstruction between 2002 and 2005. Photos taken by Nick Poulos (04/02) and AARoads (09/03/05).
