History of Interstate 10 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

Interstate 10 (I-10) is the southernmost transcontinental highway in the United States Interstate Highway System. Spanning 2,460.34 miles (3,959.53 km), it ranks as the fourth-longest Interstate highway in the country, after I-90, I-80, and I-40. Part of the original 1956 Interstate Highway network plan, its final segment was finished in 1990.

1956: Interstate Highway Network Planned

In 1956, Interstate 10 was part of the originally planned Interstate Highway network laid out in the United States.

1957: Highway Existed

In 1957, the highway existed.

1976: Highway Named Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway

In 1976, a sign near the western terminus of I-10 in Santa Monica proclaimed the highway to be the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway.

1990: Final Section of Papago Freeway Completed

In 1990, the final section of Interstate 10, specifically a portion of the Papago Freeway including the Deck Park Tunnel in Phoenix, was completed.

1990: Last Section Completed

In 1990, the last section of Interstate 10 was completed, marking a significant milestone in the highway's development.

1999: Speed Limit Increase

In 1999, the Texas Legislature raised the speed limit along I-10 from Kerr County to El Paso County to 75 mph.

2006: Speed Limit Further Increased

In 2006, the speed limit along I-10 from Kerr County to El Paso County was raised to 80 mph by the Texas Legislature.

2007: I-10 Widening Project Begins

In 2007, the widening of Interstate 10 from four to six lanes began from the I-8 interchange in Casa Grande to Marana, Arizona.

2008: Toll Road Proposal

In 2008, a proposal surfaced to make the new highway connecting Dothan, Alabama, with I-10 a toll road and expedite its construction.

2008: Widening Project in Pensacola, Florida

In 2008, a three-mile stretch of Interstate 10 in Pensacola, Florida, was widened to six lanes as part of ongoing improvement projects.

June 2009: Widening Project Completion in Tallahassee, Florida

In June 2009, construction was completed on a project to widen an eight-mile stretch of Interstate 10 to six lanes (eight in some places) in Tallahassee, Florida.

2009: I-10 Widening Project Completed

In 2009, the widening of Interstate 10 from four to six lanes was completed from the I-8 interchange in Casa Grande to Marana, Arizona.

September 1, 2011: Nighttime Speed Limits Eliminated

On September 1, 2011, nighttime speed limits were eliminated, and the statutory maximum speed limit in Texas was increased from 75 to 80 mph.

2012: Federal Funds Reallocated

In 2012, federal funds previously set aside for the highway connector between Dothan, Alabama, and I-10 were allocated to other projects.

2014: Feasibility Study Bids Sought

In 2014, Florida sought bids for a feasibility study regarding the highway connector between Dothan, Alabama, and I-10.

2022: Removal of Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway Sign

In 2022, after years of lobbying by Native Americans, the state legislature authorized the removal of the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway sign near the western terminus of I-10.