I-180 Illinois The interstate to Nowhere (I-80 to ILL-71 Hennepin, ILL)

This Interstate was finished in 1969 to Connect Jones and Laughlin Steel Co.
The plant was built in 1965 and shuttered shortly after the interstate was complete. I believe politics was big in this project.
Interestingly the Plant reopened in 2002. This freeway has a very small volume of traffic that uses it.
Begin I-180 00:30
U S 6 Exit 3 2:40
Exit 7 5:50
ILLINOIS RIVER 11:00
Exit 14 12:00
End I-180 12:20
ILL-71 East 12:30

[@criticallard2090]

You are the first to give a full length drive of this highway and not time lapse it! You have my sub.

[@TTTRAVELS80]

Thanks For Stopping By!

[@robertforce888]

I use it 2 times a day and it amazes me how few cars are on an interstate. It's actually a very beautiful drive. I keep it about 65 mph max due to the condition of the road

[@TTTRAVELS80]

I wish all interstates were that wide open. 180 is definitely a unique one for sure.

[@midwestsouthern]

I can see a control city of Peoria, primary to Hennepin off of I-80, until it splits at 29, then signage “To IL 71 - Ottawa” as well as to Hennepin.

[@TTTRAVELS80]

@midwestsouthern Peoria makes total sense.. Too bad it doesn't hook up with I-74 or I-474

[@midwestsouthern]

@@TTTRAVELS80 if you keep going down 29, it eventually connects up to 74 and 474 in Peoria and East Peoria. It’s a haul to get there though. But the signage off of 80 just doesn’t make sense anymore without the steel plant in Hennepin

[@Yosh1az]

I can only imagine how creepy it is driving at night

[@TTTRAVELS80]

I'm sure the deer have no worries crossing

[@atworkstation]

No one even hardly uses that highway

[@TTTRAVELS80]

I could set up a lawn chair next to the roadway and count easily how many vehicles use it daily. In the scheme of things, extending it to Peoria would make better sense. Thanks for checking out the video!