I-70 or I-40??

[seaesta247]

Hello all,

I am driving from Virginia Beach to Las Vegas for the week of May 16th, 2011. Which route is faster, I-70 or I-40 in terms of speed limits, mileage, terrain, turns in the road, etc...

Should I be worried about winter weather this late in the year? Or wildfires or tornatoes?

Thanks!!

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

There doesn't appear to be anything in it time wise and as Interstates are designed with gradual curves and gradients for the biggest of trucks I doubt that "terrain and turns" will be an issue. If it's a return trip you could take one out and the other back for a change of scenery. Either route is going to require 4 overnight stops along the way. Check the up to date weather forecasts prior to leaving and perhaps decide from there.

Have a safe journey.

[glc]

My mapping software says that there is a 15 mile and 10 minute difference, favoring I-40. However, this is insignificant.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I just had this discussion last night with a professional driver.... It doesn't make much a difference in a passenger car, but in 18-wheeler or comparable large RV, the rate of travel is much slower and most professionals (driving big rigs) avoid I-70.

You might find the RTA Map Elevation tool interesting, found on the Map Center page. You can obtain a graphical display of the elevation for any route in North America.

Mark

[Foy]

If I were interested in the quickest, most painless route, that would lead me to avoid cities if possible. Taking I-70 brings you through St Louis, KC, and Denver. Taking I-40 substitutes Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis. I'd take those over the Big Three on I-70 any day.

Foy