U.S. Route 22

U.S. Route 22 is a major east–west highway in the United States Numbered Highway System, stretching approximately 659 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Newark, New Jersey. It traverses the diverse landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains and the densely populated Northeastern United States, serving as a vital corridor for commerce and travel. The route has evolved from a collection of historic trails and turnpikes into a key component of the national highway network, connecting numerous cities and regions.

Route description

Beginning at an interchange with Interstate 71 and Interstate 75 in Cincinnati, the highway heads east across Ohio, passing through the state capital of Columbus and the city of Cambridge. In Pennsylvania, it becomes a significant arterial route, navigating the rugged terrain of the Allegheny Mountains and serving communities like Altoona, State College, and Allentown. The final segment crosses into New Jersey at the Delaware River, proceeding through the Lehigh Valley and the Watchung Mountains before terminating at a junction with U.S. Route 1/9 in Newark, New Jersey.

History

The corridor of U.S. Route 22 follows paths established by early Native American trails and later pioneer routes, including portions of the historic Braddock Road and the William Penn Highway. It was officially designated as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System in 1926, consolidating several state roads. Major realignments occurred throughout the mid-20th century, particularly in Pennsylvania where it was paralleled and later superseded by the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 78. The route has witnessed significant events, including troop movements during the American Civil War and the Whiskey Rebellion.

Major intersections

From west to east, U.S. Route 22 meets several critical highways. In Ohio, key junctions include Interstate 275 near Cincinnati, U.S. Route 62 in Columbus, and Interstate 77 in Cambridge. Pennsylvania intersections feature U.S. Route 219 near Ebensburg, Interstate 99 at Hollidaysburg, and a complex interchange with Interstate 81 and Interstate 83 near Harrisburg. In New Jersey, it converges with Interstate 287 in Whitehouse Station and U.S. Route 202 in Whitehouse before its eastern terminus.

Special routes

Several auxiliary routes have been designated along the U.S. Route 22 corridor. These include business routes serving downtown areas of Allentown and Easton. A notable truck route exists around Huntingdon, and a former U.S. Route 222 spur connected to Reading. In New Jersey, a now-decommissioned alternate route once provided access to Plainfield.

In popular culture

U.S. Route 22 has been referenced in various artistic and cultural works, symbolizing both American travel and regional identity. It is mentioned in the Bruce Springsteen song "State Trooper" from the album Nebraska. The highway also appears in episodes of the television series The Sopranos, often as a backdrop for scenes set in New Jersey. Furthermore, portions of the road in Pennsylvania were used during filming for the movie The Road.