Auburn grew to an area of nearly 24 m. In 1957 , the construction of Interstate 85 began . This connected Auburn to the major cities of the state . A considerable amount of residential and business construction pushed Auburn 's growth outside of the original boundaries of the city , leading to a series of large annexations which expanded Auburn to nearly 24 m. Construction of Interstate 85 beginning in 1957 connected Auburn to the major cities of the state .