History of Interstate 10 in Timeline

Interstate 10 (I-10) is a major east-west highway in the southern United States. As the fourth-longest Interstate Highway, it spans 2,460 miles, connecting major cities across the southern US. Its construction, part of the original 1956 Interstate Highway plan, finished in 1990.

1956: Interstate 10 Planning

In 1956, the original network for the Interstate Highway System was laid out, which included plans for Interstate 10.

1957: Early Stages of Interstate 10

By 1957, parts of Interstate 10 were already in existence, marking the early progress of the transcontinental highway's development.

1990: Final Section of Interstate 10 Opens

A significant event in 1990 was the opening of the last section of Interstate 10, a part of the Papago Freeway in Phoenix, Arizona. This section included the Deck Park Tunnel and connected to I-17 interchanges.

1990: Interstate 10 Completion

The final section of Interstate 10 was completed in 1990, marking the culmination of the project that began in 1956.

1999: Speed Limit Increase on Interstate 10 in Texas

The Texas Legislature raised the speed limit on I-10 from Kerr County to El Paso County to 75 mph in 1999.

2006: Further Speed Limit Increase on Interstate 10 in Texas

In 2006, the speed limit on the same stretch of I-10 in Texas was raised again, this time to 80 mph.

2007: Interstate 10 Widening in Casa Grande, Arizona

Starting in the latter half of 2007, a widening project commenced on Interstate 10 between Casa Grande's I-8 interchange and Marana, Arizona. This project aimed to expand the highway from four to six lanes.

2008: Proposal for I-10 Connector Toll Road

In 2008, a proposal was put forth to expedite the construction of a connector linking Dothan, Alabama, with I-10. The proposal suggested making the new highway a toll road and completing it within five years.

2008: Interstate 10 Widening in Pensacola, Florida

In 2008, a three-mile section of Interstate 10 in Pensacola, Florida underwent a widening project, expanding it from four to six lanes.

June 2009: Interstate 10 Widening in Tallahassee, Florida

June 2009 marked the completion of a widening project on Interstate 10 in Tallahassee, Florida. This project expanded an eight-mile stretch of the highway to six lanes, with some areas featuring eight lanes.

September 1, 2011: Texas Raises Speed Limit on Interstate 10

On September 1, 2011, Texas eliminated nighttime speed limits and raised the maximum speed limit from 75 to 80 mph. This affected the 432-mile stretch of I-10 between Kerr County and El Paso County.

2012: Federal Funding Reallocation for I-10 Connector

In 2012, federal funds initially allocated for the I-10 connector project were redirected to other projects, impacting the connector's development.

2014: Feasibility Study for I-10 Connector

In 2014, Florida initiated the process of seeking bids for a feasibility study regarding the proposed I-10 connector.