Where is hwy 20

Overview

U.S. Route 20 stands as the longest continuous road in the United States, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This transcontinental highway was officially designated in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Numbered Highway System, connecting major population centers and rural communities across the northern tier of the country. The route follows historical trails and transportation corridors that date back to pioneer days, including portions of the historic Oregon Trail.

The highway begins at Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts, and terminates at the Pacific Ocean in Newport, Oregon. Along its 3,365-mile journey, Route 20 traverses diverse landscapes including the Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes region, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Columbia River Plateau. The route has evolved from a collection of local roads into a modern transportation artery that continues to serve both commercial and recreational traffic.

How It Works

U.S. Route 20 functions as a vital east-west transportation corridor with specific characteristics and infrastructure.

• Route Designation and Numbering: U.S. Route 20 follows the standard U.S. Highway numbering system where even numbers indicate east-west routes. The '0' in 20 signifies it's a major transcontinental route, with lower numbers generally indicating more northern routes. The highway maintains consistent signage with the distinctive U.S. Route shield featuring black numbers on a white background.
• Physical Infrastructure: The highway varies from multi-lane divided expressways in urban areas to two-lane rural roads in remote regions. Approximately 40% of Route 20 features four or more lanes, primarily in metropolitan areas like Chicago and Cleveland. The remaining 60% consists of two-lane undivided roadway, particularly through mountainous and rural sections.
• Traffic Patterns and Usage: Route 20 carries an average of 15,000-20,000 vehicles per day in urban sections, decreasing to 2,000-5,000 vehicles per day in rural areas. Commercial truck traffic accounts for approximately 15% of total traffic volume, with the highway serving as a key freight corridor between major manufacturing and agricultural regions.
• Maintenance and Administration: Route 20 is maintained by individual state departments of transportation, with federal funding support through the National Highway System. Each state manages its section independently, resulting in varying design standards, speed limits (typically 55-70 mph), and maintenance schedules along the route.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Economic Impact: Route 20 serves as a critical economic corridor connecting agricultural regions of the Midwest with population centers on both coasts. The highway facilitates approximately $50 billion in annual freight movement, supporting industries ranging from manufacturing to tourism across its 12-state corridor.
• Historical Significance: The highway preserves and connects numerous historical sites including 15 National Historic Landmarks and over 200 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Route 20 follows portions of the historic Oregon Trail, Lincoln Highway, and other pioneer routes that shaped American westward expansion.
• Community Connectivity: Unlike interstate highways that often bypass small towns, Route 20 passes directly through approximately 200 communities with populations under 10,000. This provides vital access to services, markets, and employment for rural populations that might otherwise be isolated from major transportation networks.

The highway continues to evolve with ongoing improvement projects including safety enhancements, bridge replacements, and capacity expansions in key corridors. Looking forward, Route 20 faces challenges from climate change impacts on vulnerable sections and the need for modernization to accommodate increasing freight traffic. However, its unique combination of historical significance, scenic beauty, and economic importance ensures that U.S. Route 20 will remain a vital American transportation artery for decades to come, connecting communities and landscapes across the continent while preserving the character of America's heartland.