U.S. Route 36
Encyclopedia
U.S. Route 36 is an east–west United States highway that runs for 1414 miles (2,275.6 km) from Rocky Mountain National Park
, Colorado to Uhrichsville, Ohio
. The highway's western terminus is at Deer Ridge Junction, an intersection in Rocky Mountain National Park
, Colorado
, where it meets U.S. Route 34
. Its eastern terminus is at U.S. Route 250
in Uhrichsville, Ohio
.
, the highway is a freeway from Boulder
to Byers
, a distance of 62 miles (99.8 km), which includes four contiguous segments:
As of 2005, the overlaps I-270
and I-70 are not signed as US-36. The former Denver-Boulder Turnpike http://www.mesalek.com/colo/us36.html#dbt and the former Colorado State Highway 382 are so signed.
The remainder of the highway in Colorado
is signed as US-36. It is a conventional roadway, mostly two lanes, but four lanes divided on 28th Street in Boulder
and in a few other short stretches.
. The highway enters the Sunflower State from Colorado in Cheyenne County
and shares a seven-mile (11 km) concurrency through the town of St. Francis
with K-27
, the first north–south route intersected in Kansas. K-27 splits east of St. Francis and heads south toward Goodland
, and US-36 then continues through Bird City
and McDonald
before intersecting K-25 in Atwood
, the seat of Rawlins County
.
US-36 continues east through Decatur County
, intersecting with US-83 in Oberlin
before beginning a concurrency with K-383 in Norton County
, a concurrency which runs for 12 miles (19.3 km) through the city of Norton
, where it crosses US-283. K-383 splits in eastern Norton County and bends northeast toward Almena
and the Nebraska state line, while US-36 enters Phillips County
, picking up a brief concurrency with US-183 in Phillipsburg
.
The highway passes through the small towns of Agra
and Kensington
before reaching Smith Center
, the seat of Smith County
, where US-281 joins US-36 for a 12 miles (19.3 km) concurrency. The highways split at Lebanon
, and US-36 passes through largely unpopulated areas, except for the tiny town of Mankato
in Jewell County
.
At Belleville
, the seat of Republic County
, US-36 intersect US-81, a four-laned expressway which heads south toward Concordia
and Salina
, where the highway becomes Interstate 135 and runs south toward Wichita
. After passing through Washington County
, US-36 picks up brief concurrencies with US-77 in Marysville
, the seat of Marshall County
, and with US-75 in Fairview
.
In Hiawatha
, the seat of Brown County
, US-36 intersects the concurrency of US-73 and US-159, before entering Doniphan County
for its final trek through the state, passing through Troy
, Wathena
and Elwood
before crossing the Missouri River
and reaching Interstate 229
in St. Joseph, Missouri.
The section from Washington, Kansas
to St. Joseph, Missouri is officially called the Pony Express Highway because it marks the starting section of the Pony Express
. It crosses the Missouri River
on the Pony Express Bridge
. US-36 through Kansas
is mostly a two-lane road, with a few short segments in towns, including the stretch from Wathena to the Missouri state line, being four lanes divided.
, Chillicothe
, Brookfield
, Macon
, Monroe City
and Hannibal
. It was Route 8 from 1922 to 1926.
On August 3, 2005, residents of Macon
, Marion, Monroe, Shelby, and Ralls counties approved Proposition 36B, which excludes Ralls County from the Transportation Development District and allows for the construction of a 4-lane US 36 to be constructed without Ralls County's participation. This construction would serve as an extension of Interstate 72 west from Hannibal to Cameron and would make US 36 four lanes across Missouri.
All of US 36 in Missouri is named the V.F.W. Memorial Highway. The section from St. Joseph to Hannibal parallels the route of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad
, which was the reason St. Joseph was selected for the Pony Express. The two towns were the second and third largest cities in the State of Missouri prior to the American Civil War. Prior to the establishment of the railroad in the late 1850s, the stagecoach route was called the "Hound Dog Trail."
For the Missouri
portion of the highway, MoDOT is working on upgrading to a four-lane divided highway across the state in 2010. Presently, it is 4 lanes between the Missouri River
and just east of Macon, Missouri
and from Monroe City, Missouri
to the Illinois
state line.
With the passage of Proposition 36B, the US 36/I-72 Corridor Transportation District was created to help fund construction to convert the remaining 38 miles (61.2 km) of 2-lane highway between Macon, Missouri
and Monroe City, Missouri
by September 30, 2010. East of the Monroe City exit, US 36 is a 4-lane highway to US 61, where I-72 takes over the alignment.
, U.S. 36 runs concurrent with much of Interstate 72
. It enters from Missouri across the Mississippi River
on the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge
, and runs east, crossing Interstate 55
in Springfield
. At the U.S. Route 51
bypass in Decatur
, U.S. 36 leaves I-72 and runs due east through downtown Decatur. U.S. 36 then continues east to the Indiana border.
in Vermillion County
. It then passes through the towns of Montezuma
, Rockville
, Bainbridge
, Danville
, and Avon
before entering Indianapolis
. The original route through Indianapolis consisted of Rockville Rd., Washington St.
. West St./Michigan Rd. (Now Dr. Martin Luther King St.) 38th St. and Pendleton Pike. However, US 36 is now concurrent with I-465 south of Indianapolis
. East of The Circle City
, US 36 travels northeast through Lawrence
, McCordsville
, Pendleton
, Losantville
, Modoc
, and Lynn
before exiting into Ohio.
. In Ohio it travels through Darke, Miami, Champaign, Union, Delaware, Knox and Coshocton Counties before reaching its terminus at Uhrichsville in Tuscarawas County. It conjoins with US Route 127 in Greenville
for about 5 miles (8 km). It also conjoins with US Route 33 in Marysville
for about 5 miles (8 km).
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the north-central region of the U.S. state of Colorado.It features majestic mountain views, a variety of wildlife, varied climates and environments—from wooded forests to mountain tundra—and easy access to back-country trails...
, Colorado to Uhrichsville, Ohio
Uhrichsville, Ohio
Uhrichsville is a city in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, United States. The population was 5,662 at the 2000 census. Claymont City School District is the major education provider for the city of Uhrichsville and for the village of Dennison, Ohio...
. The highway's western terminus is at Deer Ridge Junction, an intersection in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the north-central region of the U.S. state of Colorado.It features majestic mountain views, a variety of wildlife, varied climates and environments—from wooded forests to mountain tundra—and easy access to back-country trails...
, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, where it meets U.S. Route 34
U.S. Route 34
U.S. Route 34 is an east–west United States highway that runs for 1,122 miles from north-central Colorado to the western suburbs of Chicago. Through Rocky Mountain National Park it is known as the Trail Ridge Road where it reaches 12,183 ft , making it the highest paved through highway in...
. Its eastern terminus is at U.S. Route 250
U.S. Route 250
U.S. Route 250 is a route of the United States Numbered Highway System, and is a spur of U.S. Route 50. It currently runs for from Sandusky, Ohio to Richmond, Virginia. It passes through the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio. It goes through the cities of Richmond, Virginia,...
in Uhrichsville, Ohio
Uhrichsville, Ohio
Uhrichsville is a city in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, United States. The population was 5,662 at the 2000 census. Claymont City School District is the major education provider for the city of Uhrichsville and for the village of Dennison, Ohio...
.
Route description
Colorado
In ColoradoColorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, the highway is a freeway from Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is the county seat and most populous city of Boulder County and the 11th most populous city in the U.S. state of Colorado. Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of...
to Byers
Byers, Colorado
Byers is a census-designated place in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. The population was 1,160 at the 2010 census. The Byers Post Office has the ZIP Code 80103.-Geography:Byers is located at ....
, a distance of 62 miles (99.8 km), which includes four contiguous segments:
- the former Denver-Boulder Turnpike http://www.mesalek.com/colo/us36.html#dbt (18 miles) from BoulderBoulder, ColoradoBoulder is the county seat and most populous city of Boulder County and the 11th most populous city in the U.S. state of Colorado. Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of...
to WestminsterWestminster, ColoradoWestminster is a Home Rule Municipality in Adams and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. Westminster is a northwest suburb of Denver. The Westminster Municipal Center is located north-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol. The United States Census Bureau that the city population...
, - the former Colorado State Highway 382 (2 miles) from WestminsterWestminster, ColoradoWestminster is a Home Rule Municipality in Adams and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. Westminster is a northwest suburb of Denver. The Westminster Municipal Center is located north-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol. The United States Census Bureau that the city population...
to WelbyWelby, ColoradoWelby is a census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado, United States. The population was 12,973 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Welby is located at ....
, - the concurrency with I-270Interstate 270 (Colorado)Interstate 270 is a long highway in the northeastern part of the Denver–Aurora Metropolitan Area in the U.S. state of Colorado. It overlaps U.S. Highway 36 for its entire length. The western terminus of I-270 is at the interchange with I-25 and US 36...
(5 miles) from WelbyWelby, ColoradoWelby is a census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado, United States. The population was 12,973 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Welby is located at ....
to DenverDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
, and - the concurrency with I-70 (37 miles) from DenverDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
to ByersByers, ColoradoByers is a census-designated place in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. The population was 1,160 at the 2010 census. The Byers Post Office has the ZIP Code 80103.-Geography:Byers is located at ....
.
As of 2005, the overlaps I-270
Interstate 270 (Colorado)
Interstate 270 is a long highway in the northeastern part of the Denver–Aurora Metropolitan Area in the U.S. state of Colorado. It overlaps U.S. Highway 36 for its entire length. The western terminus of I-270 is at the interchange with I-25 and US 36...
and I-70 are not signed as US-36. The former Denver-Boulder Turnpike http://www.mesalek.com/colo/us36.html#dbt and the former Colorado State Highway 382 are so signed.
The remainder of the highway in Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
is signed as US-36. It is a conventional roadway, mostly two lanes, but four lanes divided on 28th Street in Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is the county seat and most populous city of Boulder County and the 11th most populous city in the U.S. state of Colorado. Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of...
and in a few other short stretches.
Kansas
US-36 passes through all 13 counties in Kansas which border NebraskaNebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
. The highway enters the Sunflower State from Colorado in Cheyenne County
Cheyenne County, Kansas
Cheyenne County is a county located in Northwest Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,726. Its county seat and most populous city is St...
and shares a seven-mile (11 km) concurrency through the town of St. Francis
St. Francis, Kansas
St. Francis is a city in and the county seat of Cheyenne County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,329.-Geography:St. Francis is located at...
with K-27
K-27 (Kansas highway)
K-27 is a long north–south state highway that parallels Kansas' western border with Colorado. It begins in Elkhart at the Oklahoma state line and travels through the seven counties that border Colorado until reaching its northern terminus in Cheyenne County north of St...
, the first north–south route intersected in Kansas. K-27 splits east of St. Francis and heads south toward Goodland
Goodland, Kansas
Goodland is a city in and the county seat of Sherman County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 4,489.-History:...
, and US-36 then continues through Bird City
Bird City, Kansas
Bird City is a city in Cheyenne County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 447.-History:The fertile land of northwest Kansas was once covered with buffalo grass, which was ideal grazing ground for large herds of bison....
and McDonald
McDonald, Kansas
McDonald is a city in Rawlins County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 160.-Geography:McDonald is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 159...
before intersecting K-25 in Atwood
Atwood, Kansas
Atwood is a city in and the county seat of Rawlins County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,194.-History:...
, the seat of Rawlins County
Rawlins County, Kansas
Rawlins County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,519. The largest city and county seat is Atwood...
.
US-36 continues east through Decatur County
Decatur County, Kansas
Decatur County is a county located in Northwest Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,961. Its county seat and most populous city is Oberlin. The county is named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr.-History:The county was established...
, intersecting with US-83 in Oberlin
Oberlin, Kansas
Oberlin is a city in and the county seat of Decatur County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,788.-History:...
before beginning a concurrency with K-383 in Norton County
Norton County, Kansas
Norton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,671...
, a concurrency which runs for 12 miles (19.3 km) through the city of Norton
Norton, Kansas
Norton is a city in and the county seat of Norton County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,928.-History:...
, where it crosses US-283. K-383 splits in eastern Norton County and bends northeast toward Almena
Almena, Kansas
Almena is a city in Norton County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 408.-Geography:Almena is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 469...
and the Nebraska state line, while US-36 enters Phillips County
Phillips County, Kansas
Phillips County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,642...
, picking up a brief concurrency with US-183 in Phillipsburg
Phillipsburg, Kansas
Phillipsburg is a city in and the county seat of Phillips County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,581.-19th century:...
.
The highway passes through the small towns of Agra
Agra, Kansas
Agra is a city in Phillips County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 267.-Geography:Agra is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
and Kensington
Kensington, Kansas
Kensington is a city in Smith County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 473.-Geography:Kensington is located at...
before reaching Smith Center
Smith Center, Kansas
Smith Center is a city in and the county seat of Smith County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,665.-Geography:Smith Center is located at...
, the seat of Smith County
Smith County, Kansas
Smith County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 3,853 for the 2010 census. Its county seat is Smith Center. It is named in memory of Maj. J. Nelson Smith, who was part of the 2nd Colorado Cavalry, killed in action at the Battle of Westport on October 21,...
, where US-281 joins US-36 for a 12 miles (19.3 km) concurrency. The highways split at Lebanon
Lebanon, Kansas
Lebanon is a city in Smith County, Kansas, United States, in the north central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 218. In 1918, a scientific survey established that the geographic center of what was then the United States lies near the town and a monument was...
, and US-36 passes through largely unpopulated areas, except for the tiny town of Mankato
Mankato, Kansas
Mankato is a city in and the county seat of Jewell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 869.-Geography:Mankato is located at...
in Jewell County
Jewell County, Kansas
Jewell County is a county located in North Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 3,077. Its county seat and most populous city is Mankato.-19th century:...
.
At Belleville
Belleville, Kansas
Belleville is a city in and the county seat of Republic County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,991.-Geography:Belleville is located at...
, the seat of Republic County
Republic County, Kansas
Republic County is a county located in the state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 4,980. The largest city and county seat is Belleville.-19th century:...
, US-36 intersect US-81, a four-laned expressway which heads south toward Concordia
Concordia, Kansas
Concordia is a city in and the county seat of Cloud County, Kansas, United States. Located on the Republican River in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, Concordia was founded in 1871 and is an economic and cultural center in north-central Kansas...
and Salina
Salina, Kansas
Salina is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 47,707. Located in one of the world's largest wheat-producing areas, Salina is a regional trade center for north-central Kansas...
, where the highway becomes Interstate 135 and runs south toward Wichita
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area...
. After passing through Washington County
Washington County, Kansas
Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,799...
, US-36 picks up brief concurrencies with US-77 in Marysville
Marysville, Kansas
Marysville is a city in and the county seat of Marshall County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,294.-History:...
, the seat of Marshall County
Marshall County, Kansas
Marshall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 10,117. The largest city and county seat is Marysville.- History :...
, and with US-75 in Fairview
Fairview, Kansas
Fairview is a city in Brown County, Kansas, United States. The population was 271 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Fairview is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
.
In Hiawatha
Hiawatha, Kansas
Hiawatha is the largest city and county seat of Brown County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,172. It is the largest city on U.S. Route 36 between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado.Hiawatha is named after a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow...
, the seat of Brown County
Brown County, Kansas
Brown County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 9,984. Its county seat and most populous city is Hiawatha...
, US-36 intersects the concurrency of US-73 and US-159, before entering Doniphan County
Doniphan County, Kansas
Doniphan County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 7,945. Its county seat is Troy and its most populous city is Wathena. The county along with Buchanan, Andrew, and DeKalb counties in Missouri is included in...
for its final trek through the state, passing through Troy
Troy, Kansas
Troy is a city in and the county seat of Doniphan County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,010. Troy is part of the St. Joseph, MO–KS Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Wathena
Wathena, Kansas
Wathena is a city in Doniphan County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,364. It is part of the St. Joseph, MO–KS Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is named for Wathena, a Native American chief of the Kickapoo tribe who once lived on the...
and Elwood
Elwood, Kansas
Elwood is a city in Doniphan County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,224. It is part of the St. Joseph, MO–KS Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Elwood is located at...
before crossing the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
and reaching Interstate 229
Interstate 229
Interstate 229 is the designation for several Interstate Highways in the United States, all of which are related to Interstate 29:* Interstate 229 * Interstate 229...
in St. Joseph, Missouri.
The section from Washington, Kansas
Washington, Kansas
Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,131.-Geography:Washington is...
to St. Joseph, Missouri is officially called the Pony Express Highway because it marks the starting section of the Pony Express
Pony Express
The Pony Express was a fast mail service crossing the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the High Sierra from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, from April 3, 1860 to October 1861...
. It crosses the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
on the Pony Express Bridge
Pony Express Bridge
The Pony Express Bridge is a highway girder bridge over the Missouri River connecting Elwood, Kansas with St. Joseph, Missouri on US-36.The bridge is referred to in signage as Pony Express Bridges because there are separate bridges for east and west bound traffic. The bridges were built in 1983 to...
. US-36 through Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
is mostly a two-lane road, with a few short segments in towns, including the stretch from Wathena to the Missouri state line, being four lanes divided.
Missouri
US 36 in Missouri passes through or near St. Joseph, CameronCameron, Missouri
Cameron is a city in Clinton and DeKalb Counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 8,312 at the 2000 census.The Clinton County portion of Cameron is part of the Kansas City, MO–KS Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the DeKalb County portion is part of the St...
, Chillicothe
Chillicothe, Missouri
Chillicothe is a city in and the county seat of Livingston County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,515 at the 2010 census. The name "Chillicothe" is Shawnee for "big town", and was named after their Chillicothe, located since 1774 about a mile from the present-day city.Chillicothe is...
, Brookfield
Brookfield, Missouri
Brookfield is a city in Linn County, Missouri, United States. The population was 4,542 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Brookfield is located at ....
, Macon
Macon, Missouri
Macon is a city in Macon County, Missouri, United States. The population was 5,471 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County.-Geography:Macon is located at...
, Monroe City
Monroe City, Missouri
Monroe City is a city in Marion, Monroe, and Ralls counties in the US state of Missouri. The population was 2,588 at the 2000 census.The Marion and Ralls County portions of Monroe City are part of the Hannibal Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and Hannibal
Hannibal, Missouri
Hannibal is a city in Marion and Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Hannibal is located at the intersection of Interstate 72 and U.S. Routes 24, 36 and 61, approximately northwest of St. Louis. According to the 2010 U.S. Census the population was 17,606...
. It was Route 8 from 1922 to 1926.
On August 3, 2005, residents of Macon
Macon County, Missouri
Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of 2010, the population was 15,566. Its county seat is Macon. The county was organized in 1837 and named for Nathaniel Macon, a North Carolina politician...
, Marion, Monroe, Shelby, and Ralls counties approved Proposition 36B, which excludes Ralls County from the Transportation Development District and allows for the construction of a 4-lane US 36 to be constructed without Ralls County's participation. This construction would serve as an extension of Interstate 72 west from Hannibal to Cameron and would make US 36 four lanes across Missouri.
All of US 36 in Missouri is named the V.F.W. Memorial Highway. The section from St. Joseph to Hannibal parallels the route of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad
Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad
The Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was the first railroad to cross Missouri starting in Hannibal in the northeast and going to St. Joseph, Missouri, in the northwest...
, which was the reason St. Joseph was selected for the Pony Express. The two towns were the second and third largest cities in the State of Missouri prior to the American Civil War. Prior to the establishment of the railroad in the late 1850s, the stagecoach route was called the "Hound Dog Trail."
For the Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
portion of the highway, MoDOT is working on upgrading to a four-lane divided highway across the state in 2010. Presently, it is 4 lanes between the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
and just east of Macon, Missouri
Macon, Missouri
Macon is a city in Macon County, Missouri, United States. The population was 5,471 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County.-Geography:Macon is located at...
and from Monroe City, Missouri
Monroe City, Missouri
Monroe City is a city in Marion, Monroe, and Ralls counties in the US state of Missouri. The population was 2,588 at the 2000 census.The Marion and Ralls County portions of Monroe City are part of the Hannibal Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
to the Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
state line.
With the passage of Proposition 36B, the US 36/I-72 Corridor Transportation District was created to help fund construction to convert the remaining 38 miles (61.2 km) of 2-lane highway between Macon, Missouri
Macon, Missouri
Macon is a city in Macon County, Missouri, United States. The population was 5,471 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County.-Geography:Macon is located at...
and Monroe City, Missouri
Monroe City, Missouri
Monroe City is a city in Marion, Monroe, and Ralls counties in the US state of Missouri. The population was 2,588 at the 2000 census.The Marion and Ralls County portions of Monroe City are part of the Hannibal Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
by September 30, 2010. East of the Monroe City exit, US 36 is a 4-lane highway to US 61, where I-72 takes over the alignment.
Illinois
In the state of IllinoisIllinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, U.S. 36 runs concurrent with much of Interstate 72
Interstate 72
Interstate 72 is an Interstate Highway in the midwestern United States. Its western terminus is in Hannibal, Missouri, at an intersection with U.S. Route 61; its eastern terminus is at Country Fair Drive in Champaign, Illinois. In 2006, the Illinois General Assembly dedicated all of Interstate 72...
. It enters from Missouri across the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
on the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge
Mark Twain Memorial Bridge
The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge is the name for two bridges over the Mississippi River at Hannibal, Missouri, childhood home of Mark Twain, for whom the bridge is named. The current bridge, north of the original site, was finished in 2000; the original bridge, built in 1936, was demolished. The...
, and runs east, crossing Interstate 55
Interstate 55
Interstate 55 is an Interstate Highway in the central United States. Its odd number indicates that it is a north–south Interstate Highway. I-55 goes from LaPlace, Louisiana at Interstate 10 to Chicago at U.S. Route 41 , at McCormick Place. A common nickname for the highway is "double...
in Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
. At the U.S. Route 51
U.S. Route 51
U.S. Route 51 is a north–south United States highway that runs for 1,286 miles from the western suburbs of New Orleans, Louisiana to within of the Wisconsin-Michigan border. Much of the highway in Illinois and southern Wisconsin runs parallel to or overlaps Interstate 39...
bypass in Decatur
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
, U.S. 36 leaves I-72 and runs due east through downtown Decatur. U.S. 36 then continues east to the Indiana border.
Indiana
US 36 enters Indiana near DanaDana, Indiana
Dana is a town in Helt Township, Vermillion County, Indiana, United States. The population was 608 at the 2010 census. It is primarily a farming community.Famed World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle was born on a tenant farm near Dana...
in Vermillion County
Vermillion County, Indiana
Vermillion County lies in western Indiana between the Illinois border and the Wabash River. It was officially established in 1824 and was the 50th Indiana county to be formed. It is included in the Terre Haute, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Newport.According to the 2010...
. It then passes through the towns of Montezuma
Montezuma, Indiana
Montezuma is a town in Reserve and Wabash townships, Parke County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,022 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Montezuma is located at ....
, Rockville
Rockville, Indiana
Rockville is a town in Adams Township, Parke County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,607 at the 2010 census. The town is the county seat of Parke County. It is known as "The Covered Bridge Capital of the World".-Geography:...
, Bainbridge
Bainbridge, Indiana
Bainbridge is a town in Monroe Township, Putnam County, Indiana, United States. The population was 746 at the 2010 census. This town was named after the prominent war hero of the time William Bainbridge. He was one of the captains of the original 6 frigates of the US navy...
, Danville
Danville, Indiana
Danville is a town in Center Township, Hendricks County, Indiana, United States. The population was 9,001at the 2010 census. The town is the county seat of Hendricks County. -History:...
, and Avon
Avon, Indiana
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 6,248 people, 2,127 households, and 1,786 families residing in the town. The population density was 976.2 people per square mile . There were 2,240 housing units at an average density of 351.1 per square mile...
before entering Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. The original route through Indianapolis consisted of Rockville Rd., Washington St.
Washington Street (Indianapolis)
Washington Street is the primary east-west street in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The street follows the route of the National Road for almost all of its length in the city of Indianapolis. For a time, its entire length was designated as U.S...
. West St./Michigan Rd. (Now Dr. Martin Luther King St.) 38th St. and Pendleton Pike. However, US 36 is now concurrent with I-465 south of Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. East of The Circle City
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, US 36 travels northeast through Lawrence
Lawrence, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 38,915 people, 14,853 households, and 10,337 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,937.8 people per square mile . There were 16,292 housing units at an average density of 811.3 per square mile...
, McCordsville
McCordsville, Indiana
McCordsville is a town in Vernon Township, Hancock County, Indiana, United States. The population was 4,797 at the 2010 census.-Geography:McCordsville is located at ....
, Pendleton
Pendleton, Indiana
Pendleton is a town in Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana, United States. It is part of the Anderson, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Losantville
Losantville, Indiana
Losantville is a town in Union Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 237 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Losantville is located at ....
, Modoc
Modoc, Indiana
Modoc is a town in Union Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 196 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Modoc is located at ....
, and Lynn
Lynn, Indiana
Lynn is a town in Washington Township, Randolph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,097 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Lynn is located at ....
before exiting into Ohio.
Ohio
US 36 enters Ohio in Darke County near the small village of Palestine, OhioPalestine, Ohio
Palestine is a village in Darke County, Ohio, United States. The population was 170 at the 2000 census.-History:Palestine was platted by Samuel Loring in 1833...
. In Ohio it travels through Darke, Miami, Champaign, Union, Delaware, Knox and Coshocton Counties before reaching its terminus at Uhrichsville in Tuscarawas County. It conjoins with US Route 127 in Greenville
Greenville, Ohio
Greenville is a city in Darke County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,227 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Darke County.-History:Greenville is the historic location of Fort Greene Ville,Greenville is a city in Darke County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,227 at...
for about 5 miles (8 km). It also conjoins with US Route 33 in Marysville
Marysville, Ohio
Marysville is a city in and the county seat of Union County, Ohio, United States. The population was 15,942 at the 2000 census, and the Census Bureau estimated that it had risen to 17,621 by 2006.Marysville's longtime slogan is "Where the Grass is Greener"...
for about 5 miles (8 km).
Major intersections
- I-25 at Welby, ColoradoWelby, ColoradoWelby is a census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado, United States. The population was 12,973 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Welby is located at ....
- I-270Interstate 270 (Colorado)Interstate 270 is a long highway in the northeastern part of the Denver–Aurora Metropolitan Area in the U.S. state of Colorado. It overlaps U.S. Highway 36 for its entire length. The western terminus of I-270 is at the interchange with I-25 and US 36...
from WelbyWelby, ColoradoWelby is a census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado, United States. The population was 12,973 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Welby is located at ....
to Denver, ColoradoDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
- concurrency 5 miles (8 km) - I-76 at Welby, ColoradoWelby, ColoradoWelby is a census-designated place in Adams County, Colorado, United States. The population was 12,973 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Welby is located at ....
- I-70 from DenverDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
to Byers, ColoradoByers, ColoradoByers is a census-designated place in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. The population was 1,160 at the 2010 census. The Byers Post Office has the ZIP Code 80103.-Geography:Byers is located at ....
- concurrency 37 miles (59.5 km) - I-225 in Aurora, ColoradoAurora, ColoradoCity of Aurora is a Home Rule Municipality spanning Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties in Colorado. Aurora is an eastern suburb of the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area . The city is the third most populous city in the Colorado and the 56th most populous city in the...
- US 81 in Belleville, KansasBelleville, KansasBelleville is a city in and the county seat of Republic County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,991.-Geography:Belleville is located at...
(four-lane divided highway becomes Interstate 135 69 miles (111 km) to the south in SalinaSalina, KansasSalina is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 47,707. Located in one of the world's largest wheat-producing areas, Salina is a regional trade center for north-central Kansas...
) - I-229Interstate 229 (Missouri)Interstate 229 in the state of Missouri, USA, is an approximately 14 mile Interstate Highway spur designed to speed traffic from Interstate 29 to downtown Saint Joseph....
in St. Joseph, Missouri - I-29 in St. Joseph, Missouri
- I-35 in Cameron, MissouriCameron, MissouriCameron is a city in Clinton and DeKalb Counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 8,312 at the 2000 census.The Clinton County portion of Cameron is part of the Kansas City, MO–KS Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the DeKalb County portion is part of the St...
- I-72 from Hannibal, MissouriHannibal, MissouriHannibal is a city in Marion and Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Hannibal is located at the intersection of Interstate 72 and U.S. Routes 24, 36 and 61, approximately northwest of St. Louis. According to the 2010 U.S. Census the population was 17,606...
to Decatur, IllinoisDecatur, IllinoisDecatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
- concurrency 135 miles (217.3 km) - I-172 in northwestern Pike County, IllinoisPike County, IllinoisPike County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,430, which is a decrease of 5.5% from 17,384 in 2000...
, west of Hull, IllinoisHull, IllinoisHull is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 474 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hull is located at ....
and east of Hannibal, MissouriHannibal, MissouriHannibal is a city in Marion and Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Hannibal is located at the intersection of Interstate 72 and U.S. Routes 24, 36 and 61, approximately northwest of St. Louis. According to the 2010 U.S. Census the population was 17,606... - Old U.S. 36 intersects I-72 near Winchester, IllinoisWinchester, IllinoisWinchester is a city in Scott County, Illinois, United States. It is the county seat of Scott County. The population was 1,650 at the 2000 census. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land...
- U.S. Route 67U.S. Route 67U.S. Route 67 is a 1,560 mile long north–south U.S. highway in the Central United States. The southern terminus of the route is at the United States-Mexico border in Presidio, Texas, where it continues south as Mexican Federal Highway 16 upon crossing the Rio Grande. The northern...
near Jacksonville, IllinoisJacksonville, IllinoisJacksonville is a city in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 18,940 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Morgan County.... - I-55 in Springfield, IllinoisSpringfield, IllinoisSpringfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
- concurrency 6 miles (9.7 km) - I-57 at Tuscola, IllinoisTuscola, IllinoisTuscola is a city in Douglas County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,480 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Douglas County.-Geography:Tuscola is located at ....
- I-74/I-465 in Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
- I-65 in Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
- I-70 in Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
- I-465 near Lawrence, IndianaLawrence, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 38,915 people, 14,853 households, and 10,337 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,937.8 people per square mile . There were 16,292 housing units at an average density of 811.3 per square mile...
- U.S. Route 127U.S. Route 127U.S. Route 127 is a long north–south United States highway in the eastern half of the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 27 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The northern terminus is at Interstate 75 near Grayling, Michigan...
/Ohio State Route 571Ohio State Route 571Ohio State Route 571 is an east–west State Route highway in west-central Ohio, part of a state-wide road transportation system. It indirectly connects the cities of Union City and Greenville with Springfield via a final on U.S. Route 40...
near Greenville, OhioGreenville, OhioGreenville is a city in Darke County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,227 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Darke County.-History:Greenville is the historic location of Fort Greene Ville,Greenville is a city in Darke County, Ohio, United States. The population was 13,227 at... - I-75 in Piqua, OhioPiqua, OhioPiqua is a city in Miami County, Ohio, United States. The population was 20,738 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area.Piqua was one of the cities that experienced severe flooding during the Great Dayton Flood of 1913....
- I-71 in Delaware County, OhioDelaware County, OhioDelaware County is a fast-growing suburban county in the state of Ohio, United States, within the Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the United States Census Bureau's 2004 population estimates, Delaware County's population of 142,503 made it the fastest growing county in...
west of SunburySunbury, OhioSunbury is a village in Delaware County, Ohio, United States. The population was 4,389 at the 2010 census. The village is centered around a New England-styled traditional town square with the historic village hall located in the center of a village green...
and east of DelawareDelaware, OhioThe City of Delaware is a city in and the county seat of Delaware County in the United States state of Ohio. Delaware was founded in 1808 and was incorporated in 1816. It is located near the center of Ohio, is about north of Columbus, and is part of the Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area... - I-77 at Newcomerstown, OhioNewcomerstown, OhioNewcomerstown is a village in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, United States, east-northeast of Columbus. In the late 1770s, this was the largest Lenape village on the Tuscarawas River, with 700 residents. Chief Newcomer was the leader of the western Lenape here, and they called the village...