Asphalt Paving Blog

10 Historical Asphalt Paved Highways and Interstates in the United States

route_66_pavementHistorically highways and interstates were constructed using concrete, which has long been touted as more durable and weather resistant than asphalt. With the advancements in asphalt concrete production and materials, asphalt has become the go-to choice when repaving and renovating some of the nation’s most well-traveled and historic highways and interstates. In fact, Wolf Paving has been on the forefront of the asphalt paving movement in Wisconsin since its inception in the 1940s.

We put together a list of 10 Highways and Interstates in the United States made out of asphalt pavement.

1. Going-to-the-Sun-Road

Going-to-the-Sun-Road is located in Glacier National Park in Northwest Montana. It is a 52 mile asphalt paved highway that is famed for its spectacular views of wildlife, cliffs and forests. The entire area was carved by glaciers, and this scenic highway offers many opportunities to take pictures. Logan’s Pass is a favorite spot along this road because it passes over a 6,646 foot cliff. Going-to-the-Sun-Road is typically open from June until October, but every effort is maintained to keep the road open year-long.

2. Highway 1

California’s Highway 1 is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Construction started in the 1930s. It runs from Monterey to Morro Bay. Drivers can enjoy viewing and taking pictures of some of the most beautiful bays and shorelines in the United States. However, it is important to stop for gas and bathroom breaks whenever possible. Certain long sections of the highway do not offer gas, food or bathrooms.

3. Highway 59

Highway 59 is located right here in Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee section was initially paved by Wolf Paving. It spans 166 miles from Monroe to the Waukesha Freeway, which was also built by Wolf Paving. Highway 59 is one of Waukesha County’s most scenic routes.

4. Highway 100

Wisconsin Highway 100 is also known as State Trunk Highway 100. It is considered a bypass around Milwaukee. It was originally built in 1912 and renovated by Wolf Paving in the 1950s to accommodate more traffic as the area grew. Today, it is the path to some of the best shopping and dining in Milwaukee.

5. Interstate 90

Interstate 90 is the longest interstate in the United States at more than 3000 miles. It starts in Seattle and ends in Boston and is the most northern coast-to-coast interstate. Construction was completed in segments with the last section finished in 1985.

6. Red Rock Scenic Byway

Red Rock Scenic Byway is officially known as Interstate 17. It is 7.5 miles of scenic roadway located in Sedona, Arizona. It traverses Coconino National Forest and offers lots of opportunities for spectacular photographs and wildlife viewing.

7. U.S. Route 6

Historic U.S. Route 6 is also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. This route starts in Provincetown, MA and ends in Long Beach, CA. It offers some of the best historic views in the country and was originally only partially paved and nearly impassable in some areas. Complete paving of Route 6 was completed in 1952.

8. Route 66

Route 66 is perhaps the most infamous of all interstates. It runs from Chicago to Los Angeles with stops in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. It was a major thoroughfare for individuals and families moving west during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and it was also the subject of a TV series entitled “Route 66” about two male drifters.

9. U.S. Route 550

U.S. Route 550 is also known as the Million Dollar Highway. It is located in Colorado and runs from Montrose to Durango. Travelers are treated to a route that takes them over Red Mountain. It offers views of various old mining camps and towns and unadulterated nature. It is said to get its name from either the materials used to construct the road or the sheer expense of paving a road over Red Mountain.

10. Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway is also known as U.S Route 1. It spans 113 miles and 42 bridges to reach Key West. Drivers are treated to spectacular views of coral reefs, small islands and sea life. The route was completed in 1938 and renovated in 1982. It now provides convenient passage to millions of vacationers heading to Key West.

Wolf Paving is proud to be part of the making of many of the highways and interstates here in Wisconsin. With over 70 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your source for any asphalt paving need.


What other stretches of asphalt road have you travelled on that we should add to our list?

Topics: Asphalt Pavement, Asphalt Roads