I love how you pulled out the whole globe view at the beginning to showcase this teeny meeny road's route! LOL I'm super excited for next week, the finale to the mainline interstates and it's my hometown highway! I can't wait to see the video!!!
Also, I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic at the end or not but how could you not know about I-99 existing? You were ranting about its terrible signage at the northern end and how we don't get an overhead sign for it in Bedford on the PA Turnpike going eastbound. Plus you threw some implied shade at its number in the fake I-74 video.
4:47 - sad that sign for Key Bridge and Dundalk isn't going to be relevant for a while due to the Key Bridge collapse. I think you can take 695 outer loop to Fort Smallwood Rd but no further.
Actually extending I-97 through the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel is a good idea, but I would continue it up co-signed with I-95 until the splits in Delaware, then over the Delaware Memorial Bridge and up the Jersey Turnpike until it meets the Pennsylvania Turnpike Extension where I-95 comes in.
I would extend I-97 along I-895 to I-95. But rather extend north to New Jersey, I would extend it south replacing MD 3 and heading south on US 301 to Bowling Green, VA, then have it replace VA 207 and end at I-95 north of Richmond. Or at Port Royal, VA, have I-97 turn south and follow US 17 to end at I-64 in Newport News. As for the current section of I-97 between MD 3/MD 32 and I-595/US 50/US 301, I would make it part of an extended I-70 which would replace MD 32 south of I-70.
Exit 21a for H1 pali hwy...goes to the pali lookout which is one of the most breathtaking views on the island. I wish you could show Schofield Barracks because that is where I was stationed but its past the end of H2 hwy..but this is good enough for me.
I would recommend extending I-97 south to Eastern Virginia and utilize US-17 over to I-664 in the Hampton Roads Area and make a I-x97 spur into Annapolis known as I-397
6:36 reason it wouldn’t make sense is cuz I-895 is meant to be a bypass for I-95 through traffic, making such a bypass consist of 2 highways makes it more complicated for travelers.
What's odd is I think it was Route 895 before I-95 was built through Baltimore. I also remember when US 1 had to be used by trucks to get to DC because I-95 didn't exist and the BW Parkway didn't allow trucks past Jessup.
I’ve lived in Maryland my whole life and have only been on I-97 a couple times lol. From what I remember, it’s a pretty nice road for Maryland’s standards. Also, I just got my Bachelor’s degree from Towson University, where the other I-695 control city is! Thank you for the video, Todd!
I-97 should be extended to the harbor tunnel, alongside US-50, US-13, and to I-264. Even all the way to Savannah GA, going into metro areas of Charleston, Myrtles Beach, Wilmington, Greenville meeting I-264 in Norfolk.
Some observations: 2:12 that is where the hidden I-595 designation ends. You can tell because the sign for 50 East didn't have a blank space for another shield. 3:44 IIRC, Business 3 doesn't touch mainline 3 (which already ended). 6:48 I think there's a big hospital at that exit, which is why there's an exit there in the first place. Normally you can't exit off of I-895 until you've gone through the tunnel. (spoiler?)
Some great info! I didn’t know about the I-595 designation, however, you are correct. Business 3 is a total orphan of Rt. 3 Crain Hwy. they never touch. Lombard St. was constructed back in the early to mid ‘90’s because of the Johns Hopkins Hospital-Bayview campus.
One of the few interstates I have driven the whole route. But either way I-895 should stay as-is. It was and still is a bypass of I-95 with the Harbor Tunnel avoiding that section of I-95 near DT Baltimore which was built after I-895.
Did you know that I-97 was supposed to start at where I-95 and US 50 intersect and follow US 50 to its current southern terminus and then follow its current route up to I-695. It was supposed to have two 3di’s: I-197 and I-297. However, the planned route of I-97 became unsigned I-595 and I-197/I-297 were cancelled and the current 17 miles of I-97 is the only existing route of the highway.
@@edwardmiessner6502 I-297 was to follow MD 3 and end at current Exit 7. I-197 was to branch off and follow US 50/US 301 to MD 70, the Exit before the Severn River.
And at one route 50 between the Beltway to Annapolis was going to be designated as interstate 68. But of course that designation went to Western Maryland.
I remember before 97 was built. It was a new build from 895/695 down to New Cut Rd, where it then replaced Rt.3 for about 6 miles until Rt. 3 branches off to Bowie and Upper Marlboro. It then was another new build from that point to 50/301 just outside of Annapolis. I’m old.
Instead of Richmond, Norfolk would have been an interesting place to sign - thats the next really major metro area on the other side of the Bay Bridge, unless you swing back northbound for Philly. It should be an x95, but at least it's east of 95 so it isn't insane - there are plenty of other minor intrastate 2dis.
The tunnel toll is actually $4.00 for non-MD e-zpass, not the $6.00 one thankfully. Still, E-ZPass is supposed to be one pass for all states and they all should charge the same rates to all pass holders no matter where they got their pass. Just annoys me no end.
Todd, the pick of control cities are solid for I-97 with Baltimore for northbound and Annapolis for southbound. Also, signing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is good too.
Here is what should be done with I-97, IMHO - living almost all of my life in the Baltimore metro area and the Washington metro area... the North end is fine... but route is Southbound along MD 3 to US 301 and then follow 301's routing all the way down to I-295 N of Richmond. That would allow I-97 to be an eastern bypass of I-95 from Baltimore past basically all of the DC metro area, and Fredericksburg... the N-S through traffic can use I-97, lessening the congestion on I-95
Back in the late aughts, I was delivering a load of Stella Artois to a beer distributor in Baltimore. Unfortunately, my dispatcher failed to tell me I needed a permit to deliver beer in Maryland. The distributor offered to watch my trailer while I drove my semi-truck down I-97 to the Maryland state permit office in Annapolis. Yes, eventually I was able to find three empty parking spots where I could parallel park in downtown Annapolis and it was only a six block walk to the permit office. Probably the highlight of the trip was driving by the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
I agree that the road to Annapolis, the 895 spur and 895 North of it should be the same route but I’m not sure it should be the entirety of a mainline route. If it’s not going to be I-995, it should be concurrent with 95 until Wilmington, and then either follow 295 and the NJ turnpike until it becomes concurrent with I-95, or follow 495 and 476. I also think “secret route 595” should be part of it. In other words, 97 should go from east of DC to either Clark’s Summit, PA, or Mansfield, NJ. Although I would also be interested in seeing current 97 be part of I-83, I don’t know how that can happen without building an interstate through downtown Baltimore
They should expand I 97. Over the Bay bridge and run it down through Maryland into Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay bridge. Better have like a spur route for Rehoboth Beach or Ocean city. And maybe one for Where the wild horses? Are I can't think of the name of the place. But that would give some type of interstate through that part of that area.
We're back in the Baltimore metropolitan area, but we're staying in Anne Arundel County. Also, this interstate parallels MD 2 between Baltimore (largest and only independent city of Maryland) and Annapolis (state capital and county seat of Anne Arundel County), but I-97 doesn't touch the city limits of Baltimore and Annapolis, but rather terminate within the nearby suburbs.
I can’t imagine an easier route to sign. Except I’m going to treat this like it’s a 3DI (like 995), as it has no business being a two digit. Northbound: Glen Burnie/Baltimore Southbound: Glen Burnie/Annapolis My general formula for a spur route allows for suburban communities, and like I said, out of all the questionable routes out there, this is the least deserving of being a primary route.
I-97 was planned to go from the Capital Beltway to I-695 along US 50 and have 2 3DI's (I-197 and I-297) but the plan was mysteriously canceled and we were only presented with the 17 miles today.
Awesome town! It has grown a lot over the last 25 years, but a lot of things to do and see! Bring plenty of money! It has its tourist traps like every other city.
I am surprised how this video was able to be 10 minutes long. Everything here was funny, the globe map, and how many control cities there were. 1 for each direction.
Hey Todd, I’m currently doing videos on other Highways control cities. I’ve already done US 401 and is currently working on US 72. Is there a highway that you would like to recommend?
@@ControlCityFreak Oh well, worth a shot. On another note, you can always come by and watch my US 401, US 72, and US 158 videos to learn more about those highways.
I-99 was long a joke, but it is being extended, I assume to Rochester NY and can be extended at least into Maryland. 97 is valid only if it can be extended into the Delmarva Peninsula toward Norfolk VA. It looks like a potential extension of I-83. This should be I-995.
I-97 definitely should be renumbered to Interstate 995. It meets no other 2 digit interstate. It begins and ends on I-x95 highways. I have been on this entire highway. This route number should be used for an eventual coastal route. I think the Garden State Parkway is more deserving of this number than the current route.
I filmed in a new spot right in front of a wall. Had been recording in the living room the last few episodes, but there was too much space behind me there and it made the virtual green screen look jankier.
@@SonicandHighwayDude401my opinion: sign I-595 in MD. Then renumber I-97 to I-995. That gives I-95 a complete set of children in a state, just like I-90 in NY!
Anyone else hoping the next video starts with "Interstate 99.... yuck!"?? No offense intended to folks from central PA but that number is an affront to roadgeeks everywhere.
I always thought they should reroute I-83 from inside of 695 to loop around the west side of Baltimore and then carry on I-97 to Annapolis. This would free up 97 for something like an upgraded DE 1 and US 13 from Wilmington to Norfolk or the Garden State Pkwy. Old I-83 inside of 695 could be I-383.
@skypesos If I were to reroute I-70 to take over 97, I would do it at US 29 & MD 100 or an upgraded MD 32. That's why I think 83 is the better route to change.
@@skypesos I would route 70 and 83 across 695 and 97 all the way down to the Chesapeake Bridge. 70 can take US-301 up to Delaware and 83 can go down to Ocean City (both just need slight upgrades). We can tear down the JFX, it's a giant scar in downtown Baltimore.
Thanks! Still not seeing it on my end though. Scroll through the comments and you can see the Superthanks ones pretty easily, your other one didn’t have the badge. You could also email the receipt if it isn’t showing in the comment, controlcityfreak@gmail.com
I seem to remember that I-97 made an appearance in the movie Patriot Games. I think that Harrison Ford's wife, Anne Archer, was in a wreck caused by the IRA Terrorists and their daughter was nearly killed while she drove on (or towards) I-97. As for the road itself, it is a nice partner for I-99 as highways that should have different designations/numbers. Comparing I-97 to most any other 2-digit interstate, well, the road would have to develop an inferiority complex rather quickly!
I was rewatching the I-80 East video, and I found it quite interesting that at one time, US 50 would have had the same control “structure” on both ends…Bay Bridge!
I have been on the full length of I-97, but haven’t been on Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 14 years. There are some other routes that can take you towards Annapolis/Bay Bridge and that’s Maryland State route 32 from I-95 and US-29, even though they have it signed as Fort Meade from both junctions because of the military bases. But it will take you towards US-50 and Annapolis. I know I didn’t do a super sticker for the I-95 southbound supercut, but from MD-32 eastbound junction with I-95, they have the state route signed as Annapolis.
On the exit ramp from US50/301 as it becomes I-97, if you look to the right, across the road you can see Revel Grove, the home of the Maryland Renaissance Festival, the largest and oldest (fight me) Ren Faire in the US.
Unlike 17 cities where the largest cities are the capital . Most noteworthy Boston, Phoenix and Atlanta to name a few. Other than Minneapolis/ St. Paul this maybe the closest Large city to capital city in the country. Most Road geeks would like this to be a three digit route with a 995 destination. Giving it the highest 3 digit number. Other than New York State having all 90 combinations from I 190 to I 990 in Lockport, New York. I 97 being a route going from I 695 to hidden I 595 ,US 50 and 301 . Can't wait for people's opinion on Pennsylvania ( New York State ) I 99. Safe Travels. I almost forgot the Tampa Bay Rays play the Kansas City Royals Today.
You do make a point about I 97 being I 995. If they do that, they should turn I 87 in North Carolina to I 97 instead. But, knowing North Carolina, they'll never do that.
@planetbarrett6055 Personally I like for 2 digits Interstates be 100 miles plus. Like Intrastate Interstates I 4 Florida ,I 16 Georgia and I 96 Michigan. I 87 North Carolina goes more East West than North South. With even numbers you have more options. I 97 Stays in one county. Hawaiian Interstates can only be so long. That's the exception.
If US-50 from the Bay Bridge and US-13 heading to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel ever upgrade to interstate standard, they should extend I-97 to that. And then subsequently connected and rename the North Carolina I-87 as I-97
@@JayTheGreat_Gaming Either way, the extension of 83 or 97 makes a whole lot more sense than 87 in NC with no intention of it ever connecting with 87 in NY, considering its only gonna run from Norfolk to Raleigh.
@@ronniesouthern7829 I mean. Yeah. Come on. I feel like I-87 in NC, I-97 in Maryland, & I-99 in both Pennsylvania AND New York should all just be converted to I-83. I mean. It wouldn’t be the only interstate highway to be off the grid. I-77 from Virginia to South Carolina, and I-85 from Georgia to Alabama The Beautiful.
Maybe the next time I'm driving from NYC to Florida via I-97 and I want to avoid DC, I should just ride I-97 to the end and go west on US 50-301 to get to 301 itself. Driving on MD 3 sucks.
Just be prepared for lots of traffic and traffic signals from the 50/301 split in Bowie all the was down to LaPlata, MD. It’s about 35-40 miles with tons of traffic and lights. Especially in Waldorf, MD.
@@rixxroxxk1620 Yes, that's something I already know. But it seems even worse when you're going up or down MD 3. One thing I've been doing on the past few trips is using MD 197 and then cutting across towards I-95 through Laurel.
@@DTD110865 I wish I could. Unfortunately I drive a semi and aren’t allowed on those side roads. Glad you have a work around!!! Many people have no idea how to avoid it!
I’ve seen a NY state route kind of do a similar thing except it was signing itself to continue just before it ended. NY-404 before one goes under the NY 590 bridge in Rochester has a “west 404 up ahead” sign, then literally on the other side of the bridge is an END 404 sign.
The "End MD 3" sign along northbound I-97 is positioned very close to the northern-most point of Jabez Run along the west side of I-97. That road once carried southbound MD 3 traffic. Perhaps the endpoint of MD-3 is calibrated where the road truncates into a cul-de-sac.
It would be great if it did! I don’t think it’ll ever happen. Too many at grade intersections and it runs straight through Waldorf and LaPlata, MD. The opposition in those two towns is its demise.
And now, for my current ordering of state DOTs for my ranking side project. As I am now at 13 out of 49 planned DOTs completed, I will only provide my reasoning upon request. S: Idaho A: Montana and North Dakota A-: Delaware B+: New Hampshire and Maine B: West Virginia C-: Rhode Island D-: Wyoming F: Nebraska and Vermont F-: District of Columbia 2x F-: South Dakota The only thing that will remain unchanged as my project goes on is how these 13 DOTs rank with relation to each other (Montana will always be just slightly better than North Dakota, and the same for New Hampshire and Maine). The letter grades all depend on how big the curve of the average to 75% (the middle of the C range) is; a very good state like Idaho (the only one to be above 60% without the curve) will make the new curve smaller, and a poor state like South Dakota (only 2% uncurved) will make said curve more pronounced. I give bad controls at on ramps 0/1 points, but remember that I assess a -0.25/1 point penalty if NOTHING is signed at a freeway entrance. Also remember that I’m not just looking at INTERSTATES; if, according to Google Maps, a U.S. Route, a State Route, or other road is shaded the exact same as an Interstate, it will be under inspection too, but with more leeway in the assigned control(s). It can either help a state (i.e. State Highway 101 in New Hampshire), or hurt the state (i.e. Kenilworth Ave in DC)
I would move New Hampshire, Delaware,DC,Vermont & Idaho to C. Nebraska to C-.Rhode Island to A. North Dakota to S. West Virginia & Wyoming to F- South Dakota to B+ & Maine should go in the Toll scam category.
@@RFE812 Again, I should stress that the tier rankings are dependent on the curve I assign after a new state is completed. There's no guarantee that Montana and North Dakota are going to cap out in the A tier (they have at times been as high as S and as low as A-). Also, I have taken it upon myself to look at Google Street View for EVERY SINGLE ON-RAMP, not just major interchanges. Vermont doesn't really have any good choices in state other than Burlington; Springfield is only used in the far south of the state; Montreal isn't really consistent when north of Burlington, and Sherbrooke is an obvious choice for I 91 that Vermont flat out ignores. With how few exits there are in Vermont, I have a feeling that just these few changes would've made a difference. DC suffers in that almost no freeway entrances even have signs as to what freeway the ramp leads to (the Kenilworth Ave. Freeway is the worst offender) Controls in North Dakota are almost perfect when they are used, but a disturbing number of the most rural exits in the state have nothing signed at the on ramps, which slightly hurts it. South Dakota just broke my heart. When on ramp controls are present, they are mostly very small communities that I guarantee no one will care about. For example, Fargo is only ever mentioned at the overheads of the 29/90 interchange; no other on ramps name it! It's only Brookings, Watertown, Summit, Sisseton and Hankinson; don't ask me to list what I 90 signs... Rhode Island seems to love Waverly in the southwest corner of the state for some reason, and that really hurts it. In Montana, I still think Butte isn't a good choice (it has a micropolitan population similar to Albert Lea, which we all agree isn't worthy of being a control), and it seems to neglect the existence of Bozeman, which hurt the state (not to mention Sheridan and Shelby south of Billings and north of Great Falls, respectively) I did dock points from Maine for not being explicit that I 295 south also leads to Portland, and it was pretty poor past Bangor. As for the toll scam meme, I agree it is suspicious, but it's not the only state to do this: New York would rather people take NY 17 from Binghamton to NYC, even though it may be better to go through the Wyoming Valley! New Hampshire probably would have been in the C tier if not for the other freeways (U.S. 4/NH 16, U.S. 3 and NH 101) West Virginia really surprised me. It got a lot of zeroes for several poor control choices (Ashland, Bluefield, Wytheville, Lexington, Lewisburg, Marietta, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Washington and Martinsburg), but it didn't have many -0.25s, and those can really bring a state down. I was also surprised with how high Idaho was, considering poor choices like Ontario, Mountain Home and Nampa. Again, on-ramps leading to nowhere were rare, and there were long stretches where the controls were near perfect. Nebraska looked like it would be in the D tier until Dodge Rd W and the Kennedy Freeway were factored in. My goodness, is 'Downtown Omaha', 'Fremont' or 'Plattsmouth' too much?
@@tylermarchand2996 I do agree that South Dakota’s interchanges need work along with Montana’s poor choices of Shelby & Sheridan. Honestly South Dakota reminds me of Illinois(my home state) in that they both have pretty poor interchanges but at least they both do really well with their mileage charts & overhead signs, though they should sign Kansas City(on I-72 in Springfield) & Rochester(on I-90 in Sioux Falls) instead of Albert Lea & Jacksonville respectively.
do you plan on talking about state route highways, 3 digit mainline interstates, or us highways? Also can you eventually make a video talking about Interstate 42? it’s a new interstate in North Carolina and it is currently US 70 but it’s eventually going to be Interstate 42.
I love how you pulled out the whole globe view at the beginning to showcase this teeny meeny road's route! LOL
I'm super excited for next week, the finale to the mainline interstates and it's my hometown highway! I can't wait to see the video!!!
Also, I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic at the end or not but how could you not know about I-99 existing? You were ranting about its terrible signage at the northern end and how we don't get an overhead sign for it in Bedford on the PA Turnpike going eastbound. Plus you threw some implied shade at its number in the fake I-74 video.
4:47 - sad that sign for Key Bridge and Dundalk isn't going to be relevant for a while due to the Key Bridge collapse. I think you can take 695 outer loop to Fort Smallwood Rd but no further.
They get the control cities right but that was a layup. You know that was easy when I even agree with CCF.
We get to go back to Todd’s favorite state next week!
Actually extending I-97 through the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel is a good idea, but I would continue it up co-signed with I-95 until the splits in Delaware, then over the Delaware Memorial Bridge and up the Jersey Turnpike until it meets the Pennsylvania Turnpike Extension where I-95 comes in.
Hmm. Don’t love the long concurrency, but it could motivate Maryland to start signing Philly
I would extend I-97 along I-895 to I-95. But rather extend north to New Jersey, I would extend it south replacing MD 3 and heading south on US 301 to Bowling Green, VA, then have it replace VA 207 and end at I-95 north of Richmond. Or at Port Royal, VA, have I-97 turn south and follow US 17 to end at I-64 in Newport News. As for the current section of I-97 between MD 3/MD 32 and I-595/US 50/US 301, I would make it part of an extended I-70 which would replace MD 32 south of I-70.
Exit 21a for H1 pali hwy...goes to the pali lookout which is one of the most breathtaking views on the island. I wish you could show Schofield Barracks because that is where I was stationed but its past the end of H2 hwy..but this is good enough for me.
Will do, thank you!
I would recommend extending I-97 south to Eastern Virginia and utilize US-17 over to I-664 in the Hampton Roads Area and make a I-x97 spur into Annapolis known as I-397
The gap between the nine and the seven is like just so weird that it actually bothers my eyes
6:36 reason it wouldn’t make sense is cuz I-895 is meant to be a bypass for I-95 through traffic, making such a bypass consist of 2 highways makes it more complicated for travelers.
What's odd is I think it was Route 895 before I-95 was built through Baltimore. I also remember when US 1 had to be used by trucks to get to DC because I-95 didn't exist and the BW Parkway didn't allow trucks past Jessup.
I’ve lived in Maryland my whole life and have only been on I-97 a couple times lol. From what I remember, it’s a pretty nice road for Maryland’s standards.
Also, I just got my Bachelor’s degree from Towson University, where the other I-695 control city is! Thank you for the video, Todd!
Congrats! I know several people who went there.
@@ControlCityFreak thank you! Love it!
Before they built it, you had to go through a combination of Rt 3 and Rt 178 (Crownsville)... That was the fun days.
I-97 should be extended to the harbor tunnel, alongside US-50, US-13, and to I-264. Even all the way to Savannah GA, going into metro areas of Charleston, Myrtles Beach, Wilmington, Greenville meeting I-264 in Norfolk.
Huh, until this video I had no idea that there was a I-97.
Some observations:
2:12 that is where the hidden I-595 designation ends. You can tell because the sign for 50 East didn't have a blank space for another shield.
3:44 IIRC, Business 3 doesn't touch mainline 3 (which already ended).
6:48 I think there's a big hospital at that exit, which is why there's an exit there in the first place. Normally you can't exit off of I-895 until you've gone through the tunnel. (spoiler?)
Some great info! I didn’t know about the I-595 designation, however, you are correct. Business 3 is a total orphan of Rt. 3 Crain Hwy. they never touch.
Lombard St. was constructed back in the early to mid ‘90’s because of the Johns Hopkins Hospital-Bayview campus.
Interstate 97, Yeah!
Interstate 895, Yeah!
I-99, here we come
Aww man were coming to an end
Nah plenty more to go!
One of the few interstates I have driven the whole route.
But either way I-895 should stay as-is. It was and still is a bypass of I-95 with the Harbor Tunnel avoiding that section of I-95 near DT Baltimore which was built after I-895.
Short n spicy
Did you know that I-97 was supposed to start at where I-95 and US 50 intersect and follow US 50 to its current southern terminus and then follow its current route up to I-695. It was supposed to have two 3di’s: I-197 and I-297. However, the planned route of I-97 became unsigned I-595 and I-197/I-297 were cancelled and the current 17 miles of I-97 is the only existing route of the highway.
Where were 197 and 297 supposed to go?
@@edwardmiessner6502 I-297 was to follow MD 3 and end at current Exit 7. I-197 was to branch off and follow US 50/US 301 to MD 70, the Exit before the Severn River.
And at one route 50 between the Beltway to Annapolis was going to be designated as interstate 68. But of course that designation went to Western Maryland.
I remember before 97 was built. It was a new build from 895/695 down to New Cut Rd, where it then replaced Rt.3 for about 6 miles until Rt. 3 branches off to Bowie and Upper Marlboro. It then was another new build from that point to 50/301 just outside of Annapolis.
I’m old.
I 97 the way it should be is Baltimore NEWYORK SOUTH ANNAPOLIS
Why New York? It never even makes it to Baltimore
Only because it meets I 695
Rowe Blvd is pronounced like Wow not like Low.
Well prepare to be disappointed in the 301 vid later this week
Wow, an interstate that is signed well by Maryland for the whole route?!?! What an anomaly!!!
Yep, I guess even they can’t mess up 17 miles.
Instead of Richmond, Norfolk would have been an interesting place to sign - thats the next really major metro area on the other side of the Bay Bridge, unless you swing back northbound for Philly. It should be an x95, but at least it's east of 95 so it isn't insane - there are plenty of other minor intrastate 2dis.
Richmond is for southbound 301. Southbound 301 doesn’t go over the bridge from there
The tunnel toll is actually $4.00 for non-MD e-zpass, not the $6.00 one thankfully. Still, E-ZPass is supposed to be one pass for all states and they all should charge the same rates to all pass holders no matter where they got their pass. Just annoys me no end.
My Control Cities for I-995 (I-97)
North:
Baltimore
South:
Annapolis
Because MD 32 is the fastest way between Annapolis and the Eastern Shore, I'd have it be signed for either Frederick or Pittsburgh
Almost done! Two more to go: I-98 and I-99!
Edit: I forgot I-98 doesn’t exist
I-98 was the proposal for I-696 and since then has been proposed in Northern New England
Todd, the pick of control cities are solid for I-97 with Baltimore for northbound and Annapolis for southbound. Also, signing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is good too.
And all way to I-264.
@@maroon9273, there is absolutely no way to extend I-97 to the Hampton Roads. It's very expensive.
Here is what should be done with I-97, IMHO - living almost all of my life in the Baltimore metro area and the Washington metro area... the North end is fine... but route is Southbound along MD 3 to US 301 and then follow 301's routing all the way down to I-295 N of Richmond. That would allow I-97 to be an eastern bypass of I-95 from Baltimore past basically all of the DC metro area, and Fredericksburg... the N-S through traffic can use I-97, lessening the congestion on I-95
Can you show Exit 10 on I-99, please?
Thanks, you got it!
Back in the late aughts, I was delivering a load of Stella Artois to a beer distributor in Baltimore. Unfortunately, my dispatcher failed to tell me I needed a permit to deliver beer in Maryland. The distributor offered to watch my trailer while I drove my semi-truck down I-97 to the Maryland state permit office in Annapolis. Yes, eventually I was able to find three empty parking spots where I could parallel park in downtown Annapolis and it was only a six block walk to the permit office. Probably the highlight of the trip was driving by the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
I agree that the road to Annapolis, the 895 spur and 895 North of it should be the same route but I’m not sure it should be the entirety of a mainline route. If it’s not going to be I-995, it should be concurrent with 95 until Wilmington, and then either follow 295 and the NJ turnpike until it becomes concurrent with I-95, or follow 495 and 476. I also think “secret route 595” should be part of it.
In other words, 97 should go from east of DC to either Clark’s Summit, PA, or Mansfield, NJ. Although I would also be interested in seeing current 97 be part of I-83, I don’t know how that can happen without building an interstate through downtown Baltimore
They should expand I 97. Over the Bay bridge and run it down through Maryland into Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay bridge. Better have like a spur route for Rehoboth Beach or Ocean city. And maybe one for Where the wild horses? Are I can't think of the name of the place. But that would give some type of interstate through that part of that area.
We're back in the Baltimore metropolitan area, but we're staying in Anne Arundel County. Also, this interstate parallels MD 2 between Baltimore (largest and only independent city of Maryland) and Annapolis (state capital and county seat of Anne Arundel County), but I-97 doesn't touch the city limits of Baltimore and Annapolis, but rather terminate within the nearby suburbs.
I can’t imagine an easier route to sign. Except I’m going to treat this like it’s a 3DI (like 995), as it has no business being a two digit.
Northbound:
Glen Burnie/Baltimore
Southbound:
Glen Burnie/Annapolis
My general formula for a spur route allows for suburban communities, and like I said, out of all the questionable routes out there, this is the least deserving of being a primary route.
I-97 was planned to go from the Capital Beltway to I-695 along US 50 and have 2 3DI's (I-197 and I-297) but the plan was mysteriously canceled and we were only presented with the 17 miles today.
I think the spur of 895 should be part of I-97 it would make it 3 miles longer.
I-97 should either be redesignated as I-995 or extended across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and beyond.
Or I-595 and make US 50/US 301 I-995 and keep it unsigned
@@osfanbuff63I-595 is already taken as unsigned US 50 so most likely would be I-995
@@osfanbuff63true, but if it becomes 995 then Maryland will have one of every I 95 possible, and that would be fun
@@tnkl_4254 I agree!
I97 meets 895 At the end of I97
Yes. N/B I-97 dead ends into what’s called the Ritchie Spur of 895 n/b
I'm going to Annapolis for the first time this summer, I want to know what it's like.
I bet it is Awesome.
Awesome town! It has grown a lot over the last 25 years, but a lot of things to do and see! Bring plenty of money! It has its tourist traps like every other city.
Parking is a major pain the blank... The town itself once you get over that hurdle is great.
I am surprised how this video was able to be 10 minutes long. Everything here was funny, the globe map, and how many control cities there were. 1 for each direction.
Next week, we complete the 2di set with the infamous I-99. After that - who knows?
I think he said he will then do state highways in a previous video
Hawaii interstates
@@frank-qf9pmthey’re intrastates because they’re only in Hawaii.
@JTG_1 that's true, but the are still named interstates
@@JayTheGreat_GamingTrue, but imagine trying to build an interstate that expands throughout half the world’s largest ocean. Would not be fun to build.
Who remembers the 85 video? When he saidAsheboro? Yeah the zoo
I-97 is too short, I feel like they should extend it or something in my opinion.
It should be extended to Baltimore to meet I-95.
I'm guessing I 97 is the shortest 2 digit interstate in the system...
Well it is the shortest completed interstate but I-87 in NC in the current shortest
Hey Todd, I’m currently doing videos on other Highways control cities. I’ve already done US 401 and is currently working on US 72. Is there a highway that you would like to recommend?
Nothing I can think of offhand
@@ControlCityFreakHow about US 59?
@@SonicandHighwayDude401 I’m definitely gonna be covering that
@@ControlCityFreak Oh well, worth a shot. On another note, you can always come by and watch my US 401, US 72, and US 158 videos to learn more about those highways.
@@SonicandHighwayDude401 Awesome!
I-99 was long a joke, but it is being extended, I assume to Rochester NY and can be extended at least into Maryland. 97 is valid only if it can be extended into the Delmarva Peninsula toward Norfolk VA. It looks like a potential extension of I-83.
This should be I-995.
I-97 definitely should be renumbered to Interstate 995. It meets no other 2 digit interstate. It begins and ends on I-x95 highways. I have been on this entire highway. This route number should be used for an eventual coastal route. I think the Garden State Parkway is more deserving of this number than the current route.
All roads go to Limon.
Is it just me or does Todd's salt and pepper look, look more pepper today.
I filmed in a new spot right in front of a wall. Had been recording in the living room the last few episodes, but there was too much space behind me there and it made the virtual green screen look jankier.
This Interstate is only 17 miles long. It should be I-595.
I-595 already exists. It is an unsigned route with US 50.
@@SonicandHighwayDude401 then why is I-595 unsigned?
@@Ramiestar I don’t know but it is signed on official documents like 20 other unsigned interstates.
@@SonicandHighwayDude401my opinion: sign I-595 in MD. Then renumber I-97 to I-995. That gives I-95 a complete set of children in a state, just like I-90 in NY!
Anyone else hoping the next video starts with "Interstate 99.... yuck!"?? No offense intended to folks from central PA but that number is an affront to roadgeeks everywhere.
Haha, I live like, 2 minutes from the highway and I can't wait to hear what he'll have to say. No offense taken lol
Used to drive down this highway to go to Eastern Shore Maryland
I always thought they should reroute I-83 from inside of 695 to loop around the west side of Baltimore and then carry on I-97 to Annapolis. This would free up 97 for something like an upgraded DE 1 and US 13 from Wilmington to Norfolk or the Garden State Pkwy.
Old I-83 inside of 695 could be I-383.
I was thinking something similar, but as an I-70 extension instead. An I-97 on DE 1 could also take over all of I-476 via a duplex with I-95.
@skypesos If I were to reroute I-70 to take over 97, I would do it at US 29 & MD 100 or an upgraded MD 32. That's why I think 83 is the better route to change.
@@skypesos I would route 70 and 83 across 695 and 97 all the way down to the Chesapeake Bridge. 70 can take US-301 up to Delaware and 83 can go down to Ocean City (both just need slight upgrades).
We can tear down the JFX, it's a giant scar in downtown Baltimore.
I-97 should replace I-895 from I-695 to I-95. The rest of the I-895 should be designation as MD-895.
I'd like to see exit 1 & 13 I 99 video and my family going to Hawaii this week.
I already gave you a $5 super thanks on the last video.
Thanks! Still not seeing it on my end though. Scroll through the comments and you can see the Superthanks ones pretty easily, your other one didn’t have the badge. You could also email the receipt if it isn’t showing in the comment, controlcityfreak@gmail.com
I seem to remember that I-97 made an appearance in the movie Patriot Games. I think that Harrison Ford's wife, Anne Archer, was in a wreck caused by the IRA Terrorists and their daughter was nearly killed while she drove on (or towards) I-97. As for the road itself, it is a nice partner for I-99 as highways that should have different designations/numbers. Comparing I-97 to most any other 2-digit interstate, well, the road would have to develop an inferiority complex rather quickly!
I was rewatching the I-80 East video, and I found it quite interesting that at one time, US 50 would have had the same control “structure” on both ends…Bay Bridge!
Like I 86( Eastern),I 99 is signed partially...
I have been on the full length of I-97, but haven’t been on Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 14 years. There are some other routes that can take you towards Annapolis/Bay Bridge and that’s Maryland State route 32 from I-95 and US-29, even though they have it signed as Fort Meade from both junctions because of the military bases. But it will take you towards US-50 and Annapolis. I know I didn’t do a super sticker for the I-95 southbound supercut, but from MD-32 eastbound junction with I-95, they have the state route signed as Annapolis.
Bowie = Booey
Ellicott City = Ellicutt City
Man you really had to work to stretch this video out to a decent length!
On the exit ramp from US50/301 as it becomes I-97, if you look to the right, across the road you can see Revel Grove, the home of the Maryland Renaissance Festival, the largest and oldest (fight me) Ren Faire in the US.
Unlike 17 cities where the largest cities are the capital . Most noteworthy Boston, Phoenix and Atlanta to name a few. Other than Minneapolis/ St. Paul this maybe the closest Large city to capital city in the country. Most Road geeks would like this to be a three digit route with a 995 destination. Giving it the highest 3 digit number. Other than New York State having all 90 combinations from I 190 to I 990 in Lockport, New York. I 97 being a route going from I 695 to hidden I 595 ,US 50 and 301 . Can't wait for people's opinion on Pennsylvania ( New York State ) I 99. Safe Travels. I almost forgot the Tampa Bay Rays play the Kansas City Royals Today.
You do make a point about I 97 being I 995. If they do that, they should turn I 87 in North Carolina to I 97 instead.
But, knowing North Carolina, they'll never do that.
@planetbarrett6055 Personally I like for 2 digits Interstates be 100 miles plus. Like Intrastate Interstates I 4 Florida ,I 16 Georgia and I 96 Michigan. I 87 North Carolina goes more East West than North South. With even numbers you have more options. I 97 Stays in one county. Hawaiian Interstates can only be so long. That's the exception.
For largest cities and capital cities, Manchester and Concord, NH are definitely closer to each other than Annapolis and Baltimore.
@@alihposord Concord to Manchester 18 miles. Annapolis to Baltimore 25 miles.
I've been on the full length of this interstate north and south
Mod's the way it should be:
(NORTH): Baltimore
(SOUTH): Annapolis
Is there really any argument for anything else? lol
@@courtemanche437 lol
If it was me doing this, I think my first place rank would be 97 only because they do it correct perfect
If US-50 from the Bay Bridge and US-13 heading to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel ever upgrade to interstate standard, they should extend I-97 to that. And then subsequently connected and rename the North Carolina I-87 as I-97
Solid. Though I was thinking they just extend I-83 all the way to Raleigh because I-87 in North Carolina will never connect to I-87 in New York.
@@JayTheGreat_Gaming Either way, the extension of 83 or 97 makes a whole lot more sense than 87 in NC with no intention of it ever connecting with 87 in NY, considering its only gonna run from Norfolk to Raleigh.
@@ronniesouthern7829 I mean. Yeah. Come on. I feel like I-87 in NC, I-97 in Maryland, & I-99 in both Pennsylvania AND New York should all just be converted to I-83. I mean. It wouldn’t be the only interstate highway to be off the grid. I-77 from Virginia to South Carolina, and I-85 from Georgia to Alabama The Beautiful.
Maybe the next time I'm driving from NYC to Florida via I-97 and I want to avoid DC, I should just ride I-97 to the end and go west on US 50-301 to get to 301 itself. Driving on MD 3 sucks.
Just be prepared for lots of traffic and traffic signals from the 50/301 split in Bowie all the was down to LaPlata, MD. It’s about 35-40 miles with tons of traffic and lights. Especially in Waldorf, MD.
@@rixxroxxk1620 Yes, that's something I already know. But it seems even worse when you're going up or down MD 3. One thing I've been doing on the past few trips is using MD 197 and then cutting across towards I-95 through Laurel.
@@DTD110865 I wish I could. Unfortunately I drive a semi and aren’t allowed on those side roads. Glad you have a work around!!! Many people have no idea how to avoid it!
I’ve never understood why MD 3 North is signed past Exit 7. There’s a random “END 3“ sign about a half mile past the exit. It’s never made sense to me
I’ve seen a NY state route kind of do a similar thing except it was signing itself to continue just before it ended.
NY-404 before one goes under the NY 590 bridge in Rochester has a “west 404 up ahead” sign, then literally on the other side of the bridge is an END 404 sign.
The "End MD 3" sign along northbound I-97 is positioned very close to the northern-most point of Jabez Run along the west side of I-97. That road once carried southbound MD 3 traffic. Perhaps the endpoint of MD-3 is calibrated where the road truncates into a cul-de-sac.
You would think they would sign I 97(from I 95) for Annapolis since I 97 is the only interstate that actually goes to Annapolis...
The Hawaii interstates ( I H1,H2,H3 and H 201) will likely be as close to Hawaii I will get in my lifetime..
This is the video idea that I gave you of ranking the shorter interstates of which one has the best control cities
I really know nothing about an 97 only because I’m from New England
WHY WAS I NOT ABLE TO START WATCHING
Well here’s our only US mainland Intracounty-Interstate
I live about 45 minutes from this interstate!
I wonder if there are any plans to expand I 97??
There was back in the '70s but it was replaced with unsigned I-595.
It's should be a 3-digit interstate road
Go Army
I followed all these and I followed all 3 hawii interstates and there not long ether
You think they could have called I 97 I 995 instead but what do I know??
Makes you wonder if I 97 could run with US 301 and end at I 95 in Richmond eventually??
It would be great if it did! I don’t think it’ll ever happen. Too many at grade intersections and it runs straight through Waldorf and LaPlata, MD. The opposition in those two towns is its demise.
A T L A N T A - G A N G
To make a ten minute video about I-97 most of it isn't about I-97
And now, for my current ordering of state DOTs for my ranking side project. As I am now at 13 out of 49 planned DOTs completed, I will only provide my reasoning upon request.
S: Idaho
A: Montana and North Dakota
A-: Delaware
B+: New Hampshire and Maine
B: West Virginia
C-: Rhode Island
D-: Wyoming
F: Nebraska and Vermont
F-: District of Columbia
2x F-: South Dakota
The only thing that will remain unchanged as my project goes on is how these 13 DOTs rank with relation to each other (Montana will always be just slightly better than North Dakota, and the same for New Hampshire and Maine). The letter grades all depend on how big the curve of the average to 75% (the middle of the C range) is; a very good state like Idaho (the only one to be above 60% without the curve) will make the new curve smaller, and a poor state like South Dakota (only 2% uncurved) will make said curve more pronounced.
I give bad controls at on ramps 0/1 points, but remember that I assess a -0.25/1 point penalty if NOTHING is signed at a freeway entrance. Also remember that I’m not just looking at INTERSTATES; if, according to Google Maps, a U.S. Route, a State Route, or other road is shaded the exact same as an Interstate, it will be under inspection too, but with more leeway in the assigned control(s). It can either help a state (i.e. State Highway 101 in New Hampshire), or hurt the state (i.e. Kenilworth Ave in DC)
I would move New Hampshire, Delaware,DC,Vermont & Idaho to C. Nebraska to C-.Rhode Island to A. North Dakota to S. West Virginia & Wyoming to F- South Dakota to B+ & Maine should go in the Toll scam category.
@@RFE812 Again, I should stress that the tier rankings are dependent on the curve I assign after a new state is completed. There's no guarantee that Montana and North Dakota are going to cap out in the A tier (they have at times been as high as S and as low as A-). Also, I have taken it upon myself to look at Google Street View for EVERY SINGLE ON-RAMP, not just major interchanges.
Vermont doesn't really have any good choices in state other than Burlington; Springfield is only used in the far south of the state; Montreal isn't really consistent when north of Burlington, and Sherbrooke is an obvious choice for I 91 that Vermont flat out ignores. With how few exits there are in Vermont, I have a feeling that just these few changes would've made a difference.
DC suffers in that almost no freeway entrances even have signs as to what freeway the ramp leads to (the Kenilworth Ave. Freeway is the worst offender)
Controls in North Dakota are almost perfect when they are used, but a disturbing number of the most rural exits in the state have nothing signed at the on ramps, which slightly hurts it.
South Dakota just broke my heart. When on ramp controls are present, they are mostly very small communities that I guarantee no one will care about. For example, Fargo is only ever mentioned at the overheads of the 29/90 interchange; no other on ramps name it! It's only Brookings, Watertown, Summit, Sisseton and Hankinson; don't ask me to list what I 90 signs...
Rhode Island seems to love Waverly in the southwest corner of the state for some reason, and that really hurts it.
In Montana, I still think Butte isn't a good choice (it has a micropolitan population similar to Albert Lea, which we all agree isn't worthy of being a control), and it seems to neglect the existence of Bozeman, which hurt the state (not to mention Sheridan and Shelby south of Billings and north of Great Falls, respectively)
I did dock points from Maine for not being explicit that I 295 south also leads to Portland, and it was pretty poor past Bangor. As for the toll scam meme, I agree it is suspicious, but it's not the only state to do this: New York would rather people take NY 17 from Binghamton to NYC, even though it may be better to go through the Wyoming Valley!
New Hampshire probably would have been in the C tier if not for the other freeways (U.S. 4/NH 16, U.S. 3 and NH 101)
West Virginia really surprised me. It got a lot of zeroes for several poor control choices (Ashland, Bluefield, Wytheville, Lexington, Lewisburg, Marietta, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Washington and Martinsburg), but it didn't have many -0.25s, and those can really bring a state down.
I was also surprised with how high Idaho was, considering poor choices like Ontario, Mountain Home and Nampa. Again, on-ramps leading to nowhere were rare, and there were long stretches where the controls were near perfect.
Nebraska looked like it would be in the D tier until Dodge Rd W and the Kennedy Freeway were factored in. My goodness, is 'Downtown Omaha', 'Fremont' or 'Plattsmouth' too much?
@@tylermarchand2996 I do agree that South Dakota’s interchanges need work along with Montana’s poor choices of Shelby & Sheridan. Honestly South Dakota reminds me of Illinois(my home state) in that they both have pretty poor interchanges but at least they both do really well with their mileage charts & overhead signs, though they should sign Kansas City(on I-72 in Springfield) & Rochester(on I-90 in Sioux Falls) instead of Albert Lea & Jacksonville respectively.
I was expecting a 7 video series for 97 like you did for 95. What happened? 😂
lol
I-97 has everything signed correctly! Wow 🥲👏👏
do you plan on talking about state route highways, 3 digit mainline interstates, or us highways?
Also can you eventually make a video talking about Interstate 42? it’s a new interstate in North Carolina and it is currently US 70 but it’s eventually going to be Interstate 42.
I mean. Interstate 42 is planned to go from Clayton to Morehead City, which is solid.
Honestly I-97 and I-83 should be the same interstate.