Overview
The Mississippi River is a significant transportation corridor for the United States. It provides an important link for commerce and industry, linking numerous cities and towns along its banks. Consequently, tracing its course from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River follows a number of highways and interstate systems, including Interstate 10 and US Route 61.
History
The early role of the Mississippi River in the development of transportation networks in the United States has been well documented by historians. Its starring role in 19th-century exploration and commerce involves tales of steamboats, barges, and flatboats sailing its waters to transport goods and passengers to and from ports along the river.
In the early years, before the network of highways, the Mississippi served as an efficient transportation route linking the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. Consequently, it soon became a prominent economic artery.
Route Overview
The Mississippi runs through or along the borders of 10 different states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The federal interstate highways densely populated by travelers and freight trucks today, were originally laid down to compliment the Mississippi as a transportation route. Consequently, tracing the Mississippi River reveals interstate travel that leads travelers through five different branches of Interstate 10, supplemented by portions of US 61.
Interstate 10
Interstate 10, famously known as the Grand Old Father of Roads, is the longest interstate in the United States, stretching from California to Florida.
As a primary route running alongside the Mississippi, I-10 passes through or along all the states lining its banks. Starting in western Minnesota, it begins with I-90/94, before bisecting Wisconsin and Illinois.
After leaving Illinois, Interstate 10 makes its way west, crossing Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The route follows the Mississippi for over 1,360 miles.
US Highway 61
US 61 also follows the Mississippi, from Minnesota to Louisiana. It is renowned as one of the oldest highways in the country, and along with the Mississippi River, is integral to the music of the Mississippi Delta. Referred to as ‘blues highway’ or ‘the great river road’, it was part of the original roadways connected by the General Roy Stone systems in 1926, created to link rural areas in the South.
Since then, US 61 has been utilized as a route to and from the various socio-cultural hubs in the southern and midwestern regions of the United States.
Important Landmarks
Driving along the Mississippi River lets travelers explore some of the most important landmarks in American history. These include the National Great Rivers Museum near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri river, the historical Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi and the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Travelling along the great rivers of the United States is an unparalleled experience and offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore its cultural and historic diversity.
Safety Considerations
The sheer size and degree of the traffic on the roads running parallel to the Mississippi River can present a challenge to drivers. Taking extra precautions such as ensuring speed limits are abided at all times is recommended. Moreover, avoiding late night missions and remaining vigilant of weather conditions and driver fatigue can ensure a smooth journey.
Economic Benefits
In terms of economic benefits, the presence of interstate highways and US Highway 61 along the Mississippi River offers increased access to markets and resources, hastening transportation of goods and cutting down on delivery time and costs. This has become increasingly important for businesses such as the shipping industry that rely on timely access to local markets for the profits to keep flowing.
Environmental Effects
The traffic resulting from I-10 and US 61 has its own impacts on the natural environment. Since there are many transportation vehicles driving along them, it inevitably leads to higher emission levels in the air, water, and soil. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in metabolic diseases, alongside other negative effects on the environment. It is, therefore, important for these transport companies to take heed of the environmental safety SOPs, to minimise their environmental impact.
