 Congress approved the extension of I @-@ 70 ; however , the route still had to be approved by the representatives of the U.S. military on the planning committee . Military representatives were concerned that plans for this new highway network did not have a direct connection from the central U.S. to southern California ; and further felt Salt Lake City was adequately connected . Military planners approved the extension , but moved the western terminus south to Cove Fort , using I @-@ 70 as part of a link between Denver with Los Angeles instead of Salt Lake City . Utah officials objected to the modification , complaining they were being asked to build a long and expensive freeway that would serve no populated areas of the state . After being told this was the only way the military would approve the extension , Utah officials agreed to build the freeway along the approved route . 
