Primary route
I-76
Denver to western Nebraska
Length187.3 mi
Designated1964
States2
Junctions3
About I-76
From Denver, CO (I-70) to Big Springs, NE (I-80)
Interstate 76 in the West is a route running about 187 miles from Denver, Colorado, northeast across the high plains to a junction with Interstate 80 in western Nebraska. It carries traffic from the Denver metropolitan area toward the main east-west corridor of Interstate 80, providing a diagonal shortcut across the northeastern corner of Colorado. This is the western of two separate Interstates that share the number 76.
From the Denver area the route runs northeast through Fort Morgan and Sterling, crossing open ranching and farming country along the South Platte River valley. It ends at Interstate 80 near Big Springs, Nebraska, funneling traffic between the Colorado Front Range and the transcontinental route. The corridor is largely rural, with long stretches between towns across the high plains.
State-by-state mileage
| State | Miles |
|---|---|
| Colorado | 184.1 |
| Nebraska | 3.2 |
| Total | 187.3 |
History
The western Interstate 76 was designated in 1964 and built across northeastern Colorado and a short section of Nebraska. It was created to connect the growing Denver region with Interstate 80 along the South Platte corridor.
Major cities and places
DenverFort MorganSterling
Notable features
- South Platte River valley
Did you know
- The western of two separate Interstates numbered 76.
- Designated in 1964 and runs about 187 miles.
- Connects the Denver area with I-80 in western Nebraska.
- Crosses the high plains along the South Platte River valley.