When you think of highways in New Jersey, you think of the Garden State Parkway, The New Jersey Turnpike, Route 287, and other major highways and interstates.
But, it’s the state highways that move the bulk of New Jerseyans back and forth in their daily lives in their own local communities and regions and some are used more than others.
The landscape of New Jersey’s most heavily traveled state highways paints a vivid picture of the Garden State’s complex transportation needs.
Topping the list is Route 42, known for its crucial role in connecting Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore. Following closely are Route 4, Route 17, Route 9, and Route 22, each serving as vital transportation arteries within the state.
Route 42, particularly its stretch known as the North-South Freeway, sees the highest volume of traffic, especially during the summer months when vacationers head to the shore. Spanning approximately 14.28 miles from Bellmawr to Turnersville, this route is a hotspot for both commuter and commercial traffic.
Route 4 comes next, running about 10.83 miles from Fort Lee to Paterson. Primarily serving Bergen County, this road facilitates access to shopping centers and residential areas. Route 17 is another Bergen County highway with high traffic, spanning 27.20 miles from the New York state line near Suffern to its southern terminus at Route 7 in North Arlington.
Route 9, covering about 166 miles, is a major north-south highway running from Cape May to the George Washington Bridge, and it is often used as an alternative to the Garden State Parkway. Last on the list, Route 22 runs east-west for about 60.53 miles, serving as a key connector for various communities and commercial centers in North Jersey.
These routes suffer from recurring traffic congestion, inspiring a series of improvement projects from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The aim is to enhance lane capacity and introduce modern traffic management systems to ease flow and reduce bottlenecks.
The high traffic volume on these five state highways underscores the necessity for sustained investment in New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure. As the state continues to grow, these roads will remain integral to the daily lives of countless New Jersey residents and visitors alike.