U.S. Route 1

New England 1

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US 1 (FL)

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Photograph of a road sign along the highway in Key West, Florida, announcing the beginning of U.S. Route 1 to Fort... - NARA - 200542

United States System of Highways Adopted for Uniform Marking by the American Association of State Highway Officials.jpg

U.S. Route 1 (US 1) is a major north-south United States Numbered Highway that serves the East Coast of the United States. It runs over 2,370 miles (3,813 km) from Key West, Florida, to the Canada–United States border near Fort Kent, Maine, making it the longest north-south road in the United States. US 1 is paralleled by Interstate 95 (I-95) for much of its length, and in some areas, it is replaced by or runs concurrently with I-95. Established in 1926, US 1 is part of the original United States Numbered Highway System.

Route Description

US 1 traverses diverse landscapes and environments, from the subtropical regions of Florida to the dense forests of Maine. In Florida, it is known for passing through key tourist destinations such as Miami and the Florida Keys. As it moves north, it serves as a main artery through major cities including Jacksonville, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, before reaching its northern terminus in Maine.

History

The designation of US 1 was part of the initial creation of the United States Numbered Highway System in 1926. Its route was pieced together from a network of existing roads, some of which date back to the colonial era. Over the years, US 1 has undergone numerous realignments, bypasses, and upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety. The development of I-95 has also influenced the role of US 1, with the interstate taking over as the primary route for long-distance and commercial traffic along the East Coast.

Major Junctions

US 1 intersects with several major highways along its route, including Interstate 10 in Jacksonville, Interstate 20 in Columbia, Interstate 40 in Raleigh, and Interstate 95 at multiple points. These intersections facilitate regional and national connectivity, making US 1 an important corridor for both local and through traffic.

Cultural Significance

US 1 has played a significant role in American culture, serving as the backdrop for countless road trips, novels, and films. It has witnessed historical events, contributed to economic development, and provided access to some of the nation's most iconic landmarks and cities. The highway also supports local communities along its route, serving as a main street for many small towns.

Future

There are ongoing projects and proposals aimed at improving US 1, including widening sections of the highway, upgrading intersections, and enhancing safety features. These efforts seek to address the challenges of congestion, aging infrastructure, and evolving transportation needs.

See Also

• Interstate 95
• United States Numbered Highway System
• Road transportation in the United States