We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Symbols

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is U.S. Route 1?

By Jason C. Chavis
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,595
Share

U.S. Route 1 is the main highway running along the East Coast in the United States. It covers 2,400 miles (about 3,800 km) north to south from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Florida. As one of the largest coastal highways in the country, it passes through nearly every major city on the Atlantic, enabling drivers to conveniently connect to some of the major population centers in the U.S. The biggest cities located along U.S. Route 1 include Boston, Massachusetts; New York City, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; and Miami, Florida.

The precursor to U.S. Route 1 was the Quebec-Miami International Highway, a north-south highway built in 1911 shortly after cars became prominent fixtures on the roadways of America. It became officially known as the Atlantic Highway in 1915. During the 1920s, designations of many roads were being changed as permanent stretches were being established. New England renamed the section of the Atlantic Highway Route 1. This eventually was extended to New York City in 1924.

In 1925, the federal government established the Joint Board on Interstate Highways, a panel overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This group organized the existing roadways around the country into a concretely numbered system. Each north-south highway would receive odd numbers, while west-east highways were to be even. This board designated the stretch along the Atlantic as U.S. Route 1.

Route 1 quickly became one of the busiest roadways in the country, particularly between Boston and Washington, D.C. By the 1950s, the Interstate Highway System was in the midst of being constructed. This was an attempt by the federal government to create an intricate system of roads and highways that would connect every state and major population center with logical transit methods. Since Route 1 was so busy, it was deemed that some sort of secondary highway needed to be built to relieve the stress.

Interstate 95 is the primary bypass for U.S. Route 1. It runs parallel with the coastal highway and is situated between Route 1 and Route 2 further west. Construction on the highway began in the 1950s and continues today. Most notably, a section of roadway between Pennsylvania and New Jersey is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

U.S. Route 1 varies between two-lane and four-lane configurations in different areas. Logically, the most populated areas generally have larger sections, while the less populated require less traffic space. Due to the age of the highway, many sections are under construction for repair at all times. While much of the funding for the maintenance is handled by payments from the federal government, the overall cost requires additional income from the states to keep Route 1 from disrepair. Most of the states in which the highway runs have added tolls at various points to help pay for this construction.

Share
America Explained is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon225617 — On Oct 27, 2011

Hey Jester I & A1A in Fla. Rte 1 can be tedious but it is a real taste of Americana. Strip malls, burger joints it's all on this road. (5 is great but so desolate). When we were kids, highway traveling had some interest. Now the car has to be loaded up with videos, games, etc.

I saw everything from chain gangs to a rodeo from the backseat of my parents' car! Plus the rest stops many times were located on roads with beautiful vistas such as skyline drive.

By seafoam — On Jun 09, 2011

Some USA roads are historically important and worth driving...US 1 is definitely one of them!

I love the east coast from north to south and US 1 is a great way to taste the culture of each state.

By Jester39 — On Jun 06, 2011

If you take route 1 through the USA, it will be slow-going but beautiful through the state of Florida.

If you get on Route 1 beginning at the southern tip of Key West and travel north, you will see the most amazing and glorious water vistas as you travel north to Miami.

US 1 and Route 66 have incredible stories to tell if you have the time and the patience (and gas money!).

Get out your camera and get ready for some fun!

Share
https://www.americaexplained.org/what-is-us-route-1.htm
Copy this link
America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.