U.S. Route 95
Encyclopedia
U.S. Route 95 is a north–south U.S. highway in the western United States. Unlike many other US highways, it has not seen deletion or replacement on most of its length by an encroaching Interstate highway corridor, due to its mostly rural course. Because of this, it still runs from border to border and is a primary north–south highway in both Nevada
and Idaho
.
As of 2010, the highway's northern terminus is in Boundary County
, Idaho
, at the Canadian border crossing of Eastport
, where it continues north as BC 95. Its southern terminus is in San Luis
, Arizona
, on the Mexican border, where a short spur leads to Mexican Federal Highway 2 at San Luis Río Colorado
, Sonora
.
at Mexico's Federal Route 2. It then follows the Colorado River
northward to San Luis
and on to Yuma
, where it goes through town and crosses I-8. As it leaves Yuma, US 95 is an undivided two-lane highway which passes through the U.S. Army's
Yuma Proving Ground.
It then travels northward between the proving ground to the west and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge to the east until Quartzsite
. Here it merges with I-10
and runs concurrent
, heading westward for 17 miles (27 km) until the Colorado River
, where it enters California
, just shy of Blythe
.
In all, US 95 spends 123.16 miles (198.2 km) in Arizona.
. It travels largely parallel to the west bank of the Colorado River until it joins Interstate 40
in Needles. The route then travels north from Goffs to the Nevada line.
The total distance in California is about 130 miles.
junction and Boulder City
. Upon entering the Las Vegas
area, the highway becomes a multi-lane divided freeway and is concurrent
with I-515 and US 93
between Henderson
and Downtown Las Vegas
. After crossing I-15
, the highway continues as a freeway for several miles until again becoming a divided highway outside the Las Vegas urban area.
Shortly after entering Nye County
, US 95 becomes an undivided two-lane highway, as it meanders northwestward through the state, roughly paralleling the California border. The highway is concurrent with US 6
for several miles north of Tonopah
and concurrent with I-80
for 93 miles (150 km), from Exit 83 west of Lovelock
to Exit 176 at Winnemucca
. It then heads north to the border with Oregon
at McDermitt
, a distance of 73 miles (117 km).
, US 95 is an undivided two-lane highway in the sparsely populated high desert in the southeastern
corner of the state, running completely in rural Malheur County
. From the Nevada
state line at McDermitt
, the highway heads north and gradually climbs to its crest at Blue Mountain Pass, at an elevation
of 5293 feet (1613 m) above sea level. US 95 descends to Basque Station (webcam) and Burns Junction
at 3960 feet (1207 m), then eastward down to Rome
(3390 ft, 1033 m) and up to Jordan Valley
(4389', 1338 m) (webcam). The highway heads north-northeastward to the Idaho
state line, entering southwest of Marsing
in Owyhee County
.
US 95 is designated the I.O.N. Highway No. 456 (see Oregon highways and routes), with the I.O.N. for Idaho-Oregon-Nevada. This section of highway is a primary commercial route between Boise
and northern California
, connecting to Interstate 80
at Winnemucca
, Nevada
. US 95 crosses into the Mountain Time Zone
approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of Nevada
.
state line to the Canadian
border at Eastport.
US 95 enters Idaho from Oregon in Owyhee County
, about 50 miles (80.5 km) southwest of Boise
. It passes through Homedale
and crosses the Snake River
before a junction with concurrent US 20
and US 26
, which run together for eight miles (13 km). As it proceeds north, US 95 crosses I-84
and US 30
before going through the Payette National Forest
. Immediately after Riggins
, the highway re-enters the Pacific Time Zone
as it crosses the Salmon River
. US 95 follows the descending river, then climbs over White Bird Hill
to the Camas Prairie, then descends the Lapwai Canyon to the Clearwater River
.
US 95 becomes a four lane divided highway after crossing the river east of Lewiston
; it runs concurrent with US 12
for several miles. The highways split as US 12 continues west to Lewiston, and US 95 turns northwest and climbs a steep grade up to the rolling Palouse
. At a junction with US 195
, US 95 proceeds north to Moscow
as a recently completed divided highway. It becomes an undivided highway in Moscow and continues north to Coeur d'Alene
, crossing I-90
. US 95 goes north to Sandpoint
, where it joins with US 2
, after which the highways run concurrent until after Bonners Ferry
, where US 2 heads east to Montana
and US 95 continues north to Canada
, meeting BC 95 at the border.
, from Payette
to the Canadian border north of Eastport
. When the plan was adopted by the American Association of State Highway Officials in November 1926, the route of US 95 had been approved south to Weiser
, still existing solely in Idaho. A proposal to extend US 95 south to Winnemucca
, Nevada
was considered by AASHO in 1937; however, action was deferred due to sections in Oregon that were incomplete. AASHO reconsidered the idea at its meeting on June 28, 1939, as part of a larger plan to extend the highway south to Blythe
, California
. This plan was adopted at that meeting and became effective on January 1, 1940.
, Idaho
, US 95 entered Washington for 0.54 miles (0.87 km), partially concurrent with U.S. Route 195
. The route was moved to a new 4-laned divided road that bypassed Washington in the 1970s.
The route is now U.S. Route 195 Spur.
border in remote Owyhee County
. The contract for the project was awarded to Washington Group International
and CH2M Hill
. The contract is worth more than $1.2 billion, and is slated to last for more than six years, cover 13 major reconstruction projects, affecting over 250 miles (402 km) of the highway's nearly 460 miles (740 km) in the state.
The major factors in the reconstruction are due to the fact that US 95 is the only route that runs from north to south in western Idaho, starting at Eastport in the north and ending in remote Owyhee County
; as well as safety concerns because there have been numerous accidents and fatalities on the narrow and very dangerous curves. This change started with the re-construction and improvements made to White Bird Hill. Major projects have been undertaken including on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation.
The first stage was completed in August 2005 from just south of Coeur d'Alene to Fighting Creek Road, and is an upgraded four-lane highway for approximately ten miles (16 km). The second stage, from Fighting Creek Road to Lake Creek on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, was completed in late July-early August 2006 and upgraded a seven-mile (11 km) stretch of the highway. The third stage, from Lake Creek to Worley
, started mid-to-late 2006 and was completed in 2008. This section is significant, as it is on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. The "new" highway bypasses the Coeur d'Alene Casino, the largest business on the reservation, with the old highway becoming an alternate route that will connect the highway to the casino and the more remote regions of the reservation. This project improved a 20-mile (32 km) stretch of highway and shortened the length of the highway by about 20 miles (32 km).
Also, a nearly 20-mile (32 km) stretch was completed in 2007 from just north of Lewiston
to 6 miles (10 km) south of Moscow
.
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
and Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
.
As of 2010, the highway's northern terminus is in Boundary County
Boundary County, Idaho
Boundary County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2010 Census the county had a population of 10,972. The county seat and largest city is Bonners Ferry....
, Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, at the Canadian border crossing of Eastport
Eastport, Idaho
Eastport is an unincorporated community in Boundary County, Idaho, United States. Eastport is located at the Canadian border along U.S. Route 95, across from Kingsgate, British Columbia and north of Moyie Springs. Eastport has a post office with ZIP code 83826....
, where it continues north as BC 95. Its southern terminus is in San Luis
San Luis, Arizona
San Luis is a city in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The population was 15,322 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area. San Luis was the second fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona of any size from 1990 and 2000...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, on the Mexican border, where a short spur leads to Mexican Federal Highway 2 at San Luis Río Colorado
San Luis Río Colorado
San Luis Río Colorado is a city and its surrounding municipality lying in the northwestern corner of the state of Sonora, Mexico.- Location :...
, Sonora
Sonora
Sonora officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sonora is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 72 municipalities; the capital city is Hermosillo....
.
Arizona
US 95 begins in the United States at the border with MexicoMexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
at Mexico's Federal Route 2. It then follows the Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
northward to San Luis
San Luis, Arizona
San Luis is a city in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The population was 15,322 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area. San Luis was the second fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona of any size from 1990 and 2000...
and on to Yuma
Yuma, Arizona
Yuma is a city in and the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. It is located in the southwestern corner of the state, and the population of the city was 77,515 at the 2000 census, with a 2008 Census Bureau estimated population of 90,041....
, where it goes through town and crosses I-8. As it leaves Yuma, US 95 is an undivided two-lane highway which passes through the U.S. Army's
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Yuma Proving Ground.
It then travels northward between the proving ground to the west and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge to the east until Quartzsite
Quartzsite, Arizona
Quartzsite is a town in La Paz County, Arizona, United States. According to Census Bureau estimates, the population of the town was 3,397 in 2006.Interstate 10 runs directly through Quartzsite. It is at the intersection of U.S...
. Here it merges with I-10
Interstate 10 in Arizona
In the U.S. state of Arizona, Interstate 10, the major east–west Interstate Highway in the southern United States, runs east from California, enters Arizona and continues through Phoenix and Tucson and exits at the border with New Mexico.-Route description:...
and runs concurrent
Concurrency (road)
A concurrency, overlap, or coincidence in a road network is an instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers...
, heading westward for 17 miles (27 km) until the Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
, where it enters California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, just shy of Blythe
Blythe, California
Blythe is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, in the "Palo Verde Valley" of the Lower Colorado River Valley region, an agricultural area and part of the Colorado Desert along the Colorado River. Blythe was named after Thomas Blythe, a gold prospector who established primary...
.
In all, US 95 spends 123.16 miles (198.2 km) in Arizona.
California
U.S. 95 enters California at Blythe through a concurrency with Interstate 10Interstate 10 in California
Interstate 10 , the major east–west Interstate Highway in the Southern United States, runs in the U.S. state of California east from Santa Monica, on the Pacific Ocean, through Los Angeles and San Bernardino to the border with Arizona...
. It travels largely parallel to the west bank of the Colorado River until it joins Interstate 40
Interstate 40 in California
In the U.S. state of California, Interstate 40 has its western terminus in Barstow. Known as the Needles Freeway, a major east–west route of the Interstate Highway System, it heads east from Barstow across the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County past the Clipper Mountains to Needles,...
in Needles. The route then travels north from Goffs to the Nevada line.
The total distance in California is about 130 miles.
Nevada
US 95 in Nevada is a divided highway between the LaughlinLaughlin, Nevada
Laughlin is a census-designated place in Clark County, Nevada, United States, and a port located on the Colorado River. Laughlin is south of Las Vegas, located in the far southern tip of Nevada. It is best known for its gaming, entertainment, and water recreation. As of the 2010 census, the...
junction and Boulder City
Boulder City, Nevada
Boulder City is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States. It is approximately from the City of Las Vegas. As of the 2010 census the population of Boulder City was 15,023.Boulder City is one of only two cities in Nevada that prohibit gambling....
. Upon entering the Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
area, the highway becomes a multi-lane divided freeway and is concurrent
Concurrency (road)
A concurrency, overlap, or coincidence in a road network is an instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers...
with I-515 and US 93
U.S. Route 93 in Nevada
In the U.S. state of Nevada, U.S. Route 93 is a major U.S. highway traversing the eastern edge of the state. The highway connects the Las Vegas area to the Great Basin National Park, and provides further connections to Ely and Wells...
between Henderson
Henderson, Nevada
-Demographics:According to the 2000 census, there were 175,381 people, 66,331 households, and 47,095 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,200.8 people per square mile . There were 71,149 housing units at an average density of 892.8 per square mile...
and Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas is the central business district of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the original gambling district of Las Vegas, prior to the Strip, and the area still incorporates downtown gaming.-Tourism:...
. After crossing I-15
Interstate 15 in Nevada
In the U.S. State of Nevada, Interstate 15 begins in Primm, continues through Las Vegas and it crosses the border with Arizona in Mesquite. The freeway runs entirely in Clark County. Many motorists use Interstate 15 to visit Las Vegas, as it is the only primary Interstate Highway in the city. The...
, the highway continues as a freeway for several miles until again becoming a divided highway outside the Las Vegas urban area.
Shortly after entering Nye County
Nye County, Nevada
-National protected areas:* Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge* Death Valley National Park * Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest * Spring Mountains National Recreation Area -Demographics:...
, US 95 becomes an undivided two-lane highway, as it meanders northwestward through the state, roughly paralleling the California border. The highway is concurrent with US 6
U.S. Route 6 in Nevada
In the U.S. state of Nevada, U.S. Route 6 cuts across the middle portion of the state, serving the cities of Tonopah and Ely, en route to Utah and points further east....
for several miles north of Tonopah
Tonopah, Nevada
Tonopah is a census-designated place located in and the county seat of Nye County, Nevada. It is located at the junction of U.S. Routes 6 and 95 approximately mid-way between Las Vegas and Reno....
and concurrent with I-80
Interstate 80 in Nevada
In the U.S. state of Nevada, Interstate 80 traverses the northern portion of the state. The freeway serves the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, and also goes through the towns of Fernley, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Elko, Wells and West Wendover on its way through the state.I-80 follows...
for 93 miles (150 km), from Exit 83 west of Lovelock
Lovelock, Nevada
Lovelock is a city in western Nevada that is the county seat of Pershing County, the location of a prison, and the namesake of the area's Cold War gunnery range...
to Exit 176 at Winnemucca
Winnemucca, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 7,174 people, 2,736 households, and 1,824 families residing in the city. The population density was 867.5 people per square mile . There were 3,280 housing units at an average density of 396.6 per square mile...
. It then heads north to the border with Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
at McDermitt
McDermitt, Nevada-Oregon
McDermitt is an unincorporated community straddling the Nevada–Oregon border, in Humboldt County, Nevada, and Malheur County, Oregon in the United States. For statistical purposes, the census bureau has allocated McDermitt two census-designated places , McDermitt NV and Fort McDermitt NV...
, a distance of 73 miles (117 km).
Oregon
In OregonOregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
, US 95 is an undivided two-lane highway in the sparsely populated high desert in the southeastern
Eastern Oregon
Eastern Oregon is the eastern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is not an officially recognized geographic entity, thus the boundaries of the region vary according to context. It is sometimes understood to include only the eight easternmost counties in the state; in other contexts, it includes...
corner of the state, running completely in rural Malheur County
Malheur County, Oregon
Malheur County is a county located in the southeast corner of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is included in the eight-county definition of Eastern Oregon. Most of the county observes the Mountain Time Zone, although the southern quarter of the county observes the Pacific Time Zone along with the...
. From the Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
state line at McDermitt
McDermitt, Nevada-Oregon
McDermitt is an unincorporated community straddling the Nevada–Oregon border, in Humboldt County, Nevada, and Malheur County, Oregon in the United States. For statistical purposes, the census bureau has allocated McDermitt two census-designated places , McDermitt NV and Fort McDermitt NV...
, the highway heads north and gradually climbs to its crest at Blue Mountain Pass, at an elevation
Elevation
The elevation of a geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point, most commonly a reference geoid, a mathematical model of the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface ....
of 5293 feet (1613 m) above sea level. US 95 descends to Basque Station (webcam) and Burns Junction
Burns Junction, Oregon
Burns Junction is a highway junction and unincorporated locale in Malheur County, Oregon, United States. Burns Junction lies at the intersection of U.S. Route 95 and Oregon Route 78, about southeast of the Harney County city of Burns....
at 3960 feet (1207 m), then eastward down to Rome
Rome, Oregon
Rome is an unincorporated community in Malheur County, Oregon, United States, part of the Ontario, OR–ID Micropolitan Statistical Area. In the sparsely populated high desert of southeastern Oregon, Rome is immediately west of the Owyhee River on US-95, approximately 12 miles northeast of...
(3390 ft, 1033 m) and up to Jordan Valley
Jordan Valley, Oregon
Jordan Valley is a city in Malheur County, Oregon, United States. It is part of the Ontario, OR–ID Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city was named after Jordan Creek, a tributary of Owyhee River, which runs through the city; the creek is named for a 19th century prospector, Michael M. Jordan...
(4389', 1338 m) (webcam). The highway heads north-northeastward to the Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
state line, entering southwest of Marsing
Marsing, Idaho
Marsing is a city in Owyhee County, Idaho, United States. The population was 890 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Boise City–Nampa, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Marsing is located at ....
in Owyhee County
Owyhee County, Idaho
Owyhee County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Idaho. In area it is the second largest county in Idaho, behind Idaho County. As of the 2000 Census, Owyhee County had a population of 10,644...
.
US 95 is designated the I.O.N. Highway No. 456 (see Oregon highways and routes), with the I.O.N. for Idaho-Oregon-Nevada. This section of highway is a primary commercial route between Boise
Boise, Idaho
Boise is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Idaho, as well as the county seat of Ada County. Located on the Boise River, it anchors the Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area and is the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon.As of the 2010 Census Bureau,...
and northern California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, connecting to Interstate 80
Interstate 80 in Nevada
In the U.S. state of Nevada, Interstate 80 traverses the northern portion of the state. The freeway serves the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, and also goes through the towns of Fernley, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Elko, Wells and West Wendover on its way through the state.I-80 follows...
at Winnemucca
Winnemucca, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 7,174 people, 2,736 households, and 1,824 families residing in the city. The population density was 867.5 people per square mile . There were 3,280 housing units at an average density of 396.6 per square mile...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
. US 95 crosses into the Mountain Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone
The Mountain Time Zone of North America keeps time by subtracting seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time, during the shortest days of autumn and winter , and by subtracting six hours during daylight saving time in the spring, summer, and early autumn...
approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
.
Idaho
US 95 is an undivided two lane highway during most of its length in Idaho, which is over 538 miles (866 km). The state is widening US 95 to a four lane divided highway from the OregonOregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
state line to the Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
border at Eastport.
US 95 enters Idaho from Oregon in Owyhee County
Owyhee County, Idaho
Owyhee County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Idaho. In area it is the second largest county in Idaho, behind Idaho County. As of the 2000 Census, Owyhee County had a population of 10,644...
, about 50 miles (80.5 km) southwest of Boise
Boise, Idaho
Boise is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Idaho, as well as the county seat of Ada County. Located on the Boise River, it anchors the Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area and is the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon.As of the 2010 Census Bureau,...
. It passes through Homedale
Homedale, Idaho
Homedale is a city in Owyhee County, Idaho, United States. The population was 2,528 at the 2000 census. The town name was chosen by drawing names from a hat...
and crosses the Snake River
Snake River
The Snake is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest in the United States. At long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean...
before a junction with concurrent US 20
U.S. Route 20
U.S. Route 20 is an east–west United States highway. As the "0" in its route number implies, US 20 is a coast-to-coast route. Spanning , it is the longest road in the United States, and the route sparsely parallels Interstate 90...
and US 26
U.S. Route 26
U.S. Route 26 is an east–west United States highway. It started in Ogallala, Nebraska, and gradually grew to reach the West Coast in Oregon. When the U.S. highway system was first defined, it was limited to Nebraska and Wyoming; by the 1950s, it continued into Idaho and Oregon. The...
, which run together for eight miles (13 km). As it proceeds north, US 95 crosses I-84
Interstate 84 (west)
Interstate 84 is an Interstate Highway in the Western United States that runs from Portland, Oregon, to a junction with Interstate 80 near Echo, Utah. The highway originally served as a fork of I-80 to serve the Pacific Northwest, and was originally numbered Interstate 80N.The highway serves and...
and US 30
U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30 is an east–west main route of the system of United States Numbered Highways, with the highway traveling across the northern tier of the country. It is the third longest U.S. route, after U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 6. The western end of the highway is at Astoria, Oregon; the...
before going through the Payette National Forest
Payette National Forest
The Payette National Forest, is a U.S. National Forest located in central western Idaho, in parts of Valley, Idaho, Adams, and Washington counties. The land area consists of approximately 2.3 million acres of federally managed lands...
. Immediately after Riggins
Riggins, Idaho
Riggins is a city in Idaho County, Idaho, United States. It is nestled deep in a canyon at the confluence of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River in west central Idaho, approximately 150 highway miles north of Boise, and 120 highway miles south-southeast of Lewiston...
, the highway re-enters the Pacific Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone
The Pacific Time Zone observes standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time . The clock time in this zone is based on the mean solar time of the 120th meridian west of the Greenwich Observatory. During daylight saving time, its time offset is UTC-7.In the United States...
as it crosses the Salmon River
Salmon River (Idaho)
The Salmon River is located in Idaho in the northwestern United States. The Salmon is also known as The River of No Return. It flows for through central Idaho, draining and dropping more than between its headwaters, near Galena Summit above the Sawtooth Valley in the Sawtooth National...
. US 95 follows the descending river, then climbs over White Bird Hill
White Bird Hill Summit
White Bird Hill Summit is a mountain pass in northern Idaho on U.S. Highway 95. Located in Idaho County, it is midway between White Bird and Grangeville. The summit elevation of the highway is above sea level, through a substantial cut....
to the Camas Prairie, then descends the Lapwai Canyon to the Clearwater River
Clearwater River (Idaho)
The Clearwater River is a river in north central Idaho, which flows westward from the Bitterroot Mountains along the Idaho-Montana border, and joins the Snake River at Lewiston. In October 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition descended the Clearwater River in dugout canoes, putting in at "Canoe...
.
US 95 becomes a four lane divided highway after crossing the river east of Lewiston
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is a city in and also the county seat of Nez Perce County in the Pacific Northwest state of Idaho. It is the second-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Coeur d'Alene and ninth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID - Clarkston, WA...
; it runs concurrent with US 12
U.S. Route 12
U.S. Route 12 or US 12 is an east–west United States highway, running from Grays Harbor on the Pacific Ocean, in the state of Washington, to downtown Detroit, for almost . As a thoroughfare, it has mostly been supplanted by I-90 and I-94, but remains an important road for local travel.The...
for several miles. The highways split as US 12 continues west to Lewiston, and US 95 turns northwest and climbs a steep grade up to the rolling Palouse
Palouse
The Palouse is a region of the northwestern United States, encompassing parts of southeastern Washington, north central Idaho and, in some definitions, extending south into northeast Oregon. It is a major agricultural area, primarily producing wheat and legumes...
. At a junction with US 195
U.S. Route 195
U.S. Route 195 is a north–south U.S. Route serving the southeastern area of Washington. One of the oldest designations in the U.S. Highway system, it was created in the original 1926 plan. The highway passes two major universities, Washington State University in Pullman, and the University...
, US 95 proceeds north to Moscow
Moscow, Idaho
Moscow is a city in northern Idaho, situated along the Washington/Idaho border. It is the most populous city and county seat of Latah County and the home of the University of Idaho, the land grant institution and primary research university for the state...
as a recently completed divided highway. It becomes an undivided highway in Moscow and continues north to Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Coeur d'Alene is the largest city and county seat of Kootenai County, Idaho, United States. It is the principal city of the Coeur d'Alene Metropolitan Statistical Area. Coeur d'Alene has the second largest metropolitan area in the state of Idaho. As of the 2010 census the population of Coeur...
, crossing I-90
Interstate 90
Interstate 90 is the longest Interstate Highway in the United States at . It is the northernmost coast-to-coast interstate, and parallels US 20 for the most part. Its western terminus is in Seattle, at Edgar Martinez Drive S. near Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field, and its eastern terminus is in...
. US 95 goes north to Sandpoint
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Bonner County, Idaho, United States. Its population was 7,365 at the 2010 census.Sandpoint's major economic contributors include forest products and light manufacturing, tourism and recreation and government services...
, where it joins with US 2
U.S. Route 2
U.S. Route 2 is an east–west U.S. Highway spanning across the northern continental United States. US 2 consists of two segments connected by various roadways in southern Canada...
, after which the highways run concurrent until after Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Bonners Ferry is a city in and the county seat of Boundary County, Idaho, United States. The population was 2,543 at the 2010 census.-History:...
, where US 2 heads east to Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
and US 95 continues north to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, meeting BC 95 at the border.
History
U.S. Route 95 was one of the original U.S. highways proposed in the 1925 Bureau of Public Roads numbering plan. Under the original proposal, the highway would only exist in IdahoIdaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, from Payette
Payette, Idaho
Payette is a city in and the county seat of Payette County, Idaho, United States. The population was 7,054 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Ontario, OR–ID Micropolitan Statistical Area....
to the Canadian border north of Eastport
Eastport, Idaho
Eastport is an unincorporated community in Boundary County, Idaho, United States. Eastport is located at the Canadian border along U.S. Route 95, across from Kingsgate, British Columbia and north of Moyie Springs. Eastport has a post office with ZIP code 83826....
. When the plan was adopted by the American Association of State Highway Officials in November 1926, the route of US 95 had been approved south to Weiser
Weiser, Idaho
Weiser is a city in the rural western part of the U.S. state of Idaho and the county seat of Washington County. With its mild climate, the city supports farm, orchard, and livestock endeavors in the vicinity. The city sits at the confluence of the Weiser River with the great Snake River, which...
, still existing solely in Idaho. A proposal to extend US 95 south to Winnemucca
Winnemucca, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 7,174 people, 2,736 households, and 1,824 families residing in the city. The population density was 867.5 people per square mile . There were 3,280 housing units at an average density of 396.6 per square mile...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
was considered by AASHO in 1937; however, action was deferred due to sections in Oregon that were incomplete. AASHO reconsidered the idea at its meeting on June 28, 1939, as part of a larger plan to extend the highway south to Blythe
Blythe, California
Blythe is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, in the "Palo Verde Valley" of the Lower Colorado River Valley region, an agricultural area and part of the Colorado Desert along the Colorado River. Blythe was named after Thomas Blythe, a gold prospector who established primary...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. This plan was adopted at that meeting and became effective on January 1, 1940.
Washington (former)
North of LewistonLewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is a city in and also the county seat of Nez Perce County in the Pacific Northwest state of Idaho. It is the second-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Coeur d'Alene and ninth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID - Clarkston, WA...
, Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, US 95 entered Washington for 0.54 miles (0.87 km), partially concurrent with U.S. Route 195
U.S. Route 195
U.S. Route 195 is a north–south U.S. Route serving the southeastern area of Washington. One of the oldest designations in the U.S. Highway system, it was created in the original 1926 plan. The highway passes two major universities, Washington State University in Pullman, and the University...
. The route was moved to a new 4-laned divided road that bypassed Washington in the 1970s.
The route is now U.S. Route 195 Spur.
Arizona
Between 2009-2010, the Arizona Department Of Transportation has decided to make the beginning stretch of US 95 between Yuma and Parker four lanes instead of the current two-lane configuration to make it safer, quicker, and easier to travel.Idaho
In April 2005, the Idaho legislature approved a bill to widen the entire highway from two lanes to four lanes for the entire route starting at the US-Canada port of entry in Eastport, and ending at the OregonOregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
border in remote Owyhee County
Owyhee County, Idaho
Owyhee County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Idaho. In area it is the second largest county in Idaho, behind Idaho County. As of the 2000 Census, Owyhee County had a population of 10,644...
. The contract for the project was awarded to Washington Group International
Washington Group International
Washington Group International was an American corporation which provided integrated engineering, construction and management services to businesses and governments around the world. Based in Boise, Idaho, it had approximately 25,000 employees working in over 40 states and more than 30 countries...
and CH2M Hill
CH2M Hill
CH2M Hill is an American-based global provider of engineering, construction, and operations services for corporations, nonprofits, and federal, state, and local governments. The firm is headquartered in Meridian, an unincorporated area of Douglas County, Colorado in the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan...
. The contract is worth more than $1.2 billion, and is slated to last for more than six years, cover 13 major reconstruction projects, affecting over 250 miles (402 km) of the highway's nearly 460 miles (740 km) in the state.
The major factors in the reconstruction are due to the fact that US 95 is the only route that runs from north to south in western Idaho, starting at Eastport in the north and ending in remote Owyhee County
Owyhee County, Idaho
Owyhee County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Idaho. In area it is the second largest county in Idaho, behind Idaho County. As of the 2000 Census, Owyhee County had a population of 10,644...
; as well as safety concerns because there have been numerous accidents and fatalities on the narrow and very dangerous curves. This change started with the re-construction and improvements made to White Bird Hill. Major projects have been undertaken including on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation.
The first stage was completed in August 2005 from just south of Coeur d'Alene to Fighting Creek Road, and is an upgraded four-lane highway for approximately ten miles (16 km). The second stage, from Fighting Creek Road to Lake Creek on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, was completed in late July-early August 2006 and upgraded a seven-mile (11 km) stretch of the highway. The third stage, from Lake Creek to Worley
Worley, Idaho
Worley is a city in southwestern Kootenai County, Idaho, United States. The population was 223 at the 2000 census. The city is within the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation.-Geography:...
, started mid-to-late 2006 and was completed in 2008. This section is significant, as it is on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. The "new" highway bypasses the Coeur d'Alene Casino, the largest business on the reservation, with the old highway becoming an alternate route that will connect the highway to the casino and the more remote regions of the reservation. This project improved a 20-mile (32 km) stretch of highway and shortened the length of the highway by about 20 miles (32 km).
Also, a nearly 20-mile (32 km) stretch was completed in 2007 from just north of Lewiston
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is a city in and also the county seat of Nez Perce County in the Pacific Northwest state of Idaho. It is the second-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Coeur d'Alene and ninth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID - Clarkston, WA...
to 6 miles (10 km) south of Moscow
Moscow, Idaho
Moscow is a city in northern Idaho, situated along the Washington/Idaho border. It is the most populous city and county seat of Latah County and the home of the University of Idaho, the land grant institution and primary research university for the state...
.
See also
- U.S. Route 95 Spur
- U.S. Route 95 Alternate
- U.S. Route 95 TruckNevada State Route 362U.S. Route 95 Truck is a truck route of US 95 in Mineral County, Nevada, in the United States. It serves as a bypass route for trucks taking US 95 past Hawthorne in either direction, as US 95 itself goes through that community...
(unsigned Nevada SR 362)