Inner? Outer? Beltline confusion ends soon
The Inner and Outer Beltline designations for parts of Interstate 40 and Interstate 440 are being retired.
Posted — Updated
The loop around downtown has had various names and numbers since construction began in the 1960s. It was re-named I-440 in 1996.
Since that time, the lanes that travel clockwise have been called the "Inner Beltline," while the lanes that travel counter-clockwise are labeled "Outer Beltline." It's easy to see why on a map, but harder to visualize when wedged in a line of traffic.
DOT will begin work on new signage as soon as this fall as part of a larger contract to replace signs along the route.
The eight miles where I-40 and I-440 overlap from Exit 293 to Exit 301 will be re-labled simply as I-40, as seen in the map below.
The rest of the current loop will continue to carry the I-440 label. While drivers in both directions will head north to get where they are going, the road will simply be labeled I-440, either east or west.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
