Off Topic Advisory... I didn't see a sign "Next Sign 50 Miles" but there is this: https://www.capradio.org/72367 Also, there are several photos of a route in Alaska with the sign, "Speed Limit 50 - Next 416 Miles"
I have driven that route, both moving to, and from Spokane, also...both north/south US highways, 93 & 95 in NV are lots of lots of long boring. Now the last few times I've driven to Spokane, we take I-15, at least there is stuff to see on that route
There is stuff to see even in the middle of the desert. I found the most interesting parts of my last trip to AZ and back on my bike was the open desert and all the beautiful scenery.
Absolutely! I love driving through any parts of the different deserts (well, maybe not between Boron and Barstow) They are all so unique. And US 50, to me, is one of the most beautiful drives. But still, not much out there. (I also like driving south from Death Valley through the Panamint Valley to Trona and Ridgecrest)
There's a reason the original California Zephyr schedule went through that part of the route at night...
So that it would arrive at the next location during day hours were people would be willing to catch a train?
Except that its schedules were always centered around scenery. Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River; Sierras (whether Feather River or Donner route). This put populated locations such as Omaha, Lincoln and Salt Lake City in the middle of the night.
Cities are horrible places compared to nature! Give me an open and barren desert over a city any day!!
Even farther off topic than usual (even for me) but on the topic of lonely desert roads, this one mostly in Utah. It's one of my travelogue pieces. http://www.irwinsjournal.com/ijonline/ijwhirr.htm