Interstate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
interstate
[หษชntษrsteษชt ]
Definitions
transportation
A highway that connects two or more states in the United States.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The Interstate 80 is a major east-west interstate highway in the US.
- The interstate system was established to improve transportation between states.
legal
Relating to, existing or carried on between two or more states.
Synonyms
interstate-level, interstate-wide.
Examples of usage
- The interstate commerce laws regulate trade between different states.
- The interstate compact was signed by multiple states to address a common issue.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'interstate' became popular with the 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act, which aimed to create a network of highways across the U.S.
- Prior to the interstate system, many highways were unpaved and could not support heavy traffic, making long-distance travel difficult.
- The first stretch of the interstate highway system opened in Missouri in 1956, marking the beginning of a transformative era in American transportation.
Impact on Society
- The interstate system has significantly influenced American culture by making road trips more accessible and popular.
- These highways have played a crucial role in the economy, facilitating the movement of goods and boosting trade between states.
- It has also affected urbanization, leading to the growth of suburbs as people found it easy to live farther from where they work.
Transportation
- Interstate highways typically feature limited access points, including overpasses and exit ramps, to maintain smooth traffic flow.
- They are designed for higher speed limits and have wider lanes compared to local roads, making them safer for long-distance travel.
- In the U.S., the interstate system is identified by a distinctive shield-shaped sign with a blue background and red top.
Environmental Considerations
- The construction of interstate highways has led to environmental concerns, like habitat destruction and increased pollution from vehicle emissions.
- Many communities have advocated for greener transportation alternatives to help reduce the negative impact of highway systems.
- Innovations such as eco-friendly bridges and sound barriers have been introduced in some areas to mitigate environmental impacts.
Pop Culture
- Interstates appear prominently in numerous films and songs, symbolizing freedom and the open road.
- Songs like 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman capture the essence of journeys taken via these highways, resonating with the themes of adventure and escape.
- Many American road trip classics often highlight the significance of these routes in representing the pursuit of dreams and exploration.
Origin of 'interstate'
The term 'interstate' originated in the early 20th century in the United States, with the development of a national highway system. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System, which revolutionized transportation and connected states across the country. The word 'interstate' combines 'inter-' meaning between or among, and 'state', referring to the states linked by these highways.
See also: instatement, misstate, overstate, overstated, overstatement, reinstate, restate, restatement, stated, stately, statement, statements, stateroom, statesman, understate, understated, unstated.