Highway

Learn how to build highways in SimCity 2000, including their 2x2 tile size, slope limitations, and the differences between standard and reinforced bridges.

Alright, let's talk about highways in SimCity 2000. They're a bit different from regular roads, mainly because they're wider – they take up a 2x2 tile space instead of just one. This is to handle more traffic, but it also means they have some specific building rules you'll need to know.

You can't just plop highways anywhere, though. They actually *need* regular roads connected to them to be useful. Sims can only get on and off the highway using those connected roads, so make sure you plan your network accordingly.

When you're building on hills, highways have a limit: they can only go up one elevation level for every two tiles you build. If the slope is steeper than that, you're out of luck and can't build there. Keep an eye on that terrain!

Now, intersections are pretty neat. When two highways cross, the game automatically creates a cloverleaf-style interchange, which is super handy for managing traffic flow. This also happens with T-intersections.

Building bridges with highways is a little different than with roads. Instead of just dragging the tool, you need to click once on the shore where you want the bridge to start. Sometimes, you might need to do a little terraforming around the shoreline to make it easier. Once you click, a dialog box will pop up asking which type of bridge you want:

• HIGHWAY BRIDGE: This is your standard highway bridge. It's straightforward to build, doesn't need any special ground prep, but ships can't sail underneath it. It can span any length, though.
• REINFORCED GIRDER BRIDGE: This one is pricier and requires you to build up small hills on each end, which can mess with the surrounding landscape. The upside? These bridges are much tougher and can withstand earthquakes, plus ships can pass under them.

PlayStation Note: If you're playing on the PlayStation version, things get a bit trickier. You can only build the reinforced girder bridge if the 2x2 area you're trying to build on is half water and half land. Even then, it's not always a guaranteed build, but it is possible.