Cordele, still continuing east through mainly rural areas of the southern portion of the state, passing through smaller towns such as McRae–Helena, Mount Vernon, Vidalia, and Pembroke. The highway then turns to the northeast as it leaves Pembroke, crossing I-16 at exit 143. Still continuing northeast, the highway then terminates in Blichton at U.S. Route 80. National Highway System Except for the easternmost portion between I-16 and the eastern terminus, the entire length of US 280 is part of the National Highway System, a system of routes determined to be the most important for the nation's economy, mobility, and defense. History Prior to the completion of the Elton B. Stephens Expressway in Birmingham, US 31, US 78, and US 280 traveled concurrently until they intersected US 11 at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and 24th Street. Major intersections See also References External links Endpoints of U.S. Highway 280 80-2 80-2 80-2 2 Transportation in Jefferson County, Alabama Transportation in Shelby County, Alabama Transportation in Talladega County, Alabama Transportation in Coosa County, Alabama Transportation in Tallapoosa County, Alabama Transportation in Chambers County, Alabama Transportation in Lee County, Alabama Transportation in Russell County, Alabama Transportation in Muscogee County, Georgia Transportation in Stewart County, Georgia Transportation in Webster County, Georgia Transportation in Sumter County, Georgia Transportation in Crisp County, Georgia Transportation in Wilcox County, Georgia Transportation in Dodge County, Georgia Transportation in Telfair County, Georgia Transportation in Wheeler County, Georgia Transportation in Montgomery County, Georgia Transportation in Toombs County, Georgia Transportation in Tattnall County, Georgia Transportation in Evans County, Georgia Transportation in Bryan County, Georgia