U.S. Route 22 in New Jersey

U.S. Route 22 in New Jersey is a major east–west highway spanning approximately 66 miles across the northern part of the state. It connects the Delaware River at Phillipsburg with the urban core of Newark, serving as a critical commercial and commuter artery. The route traverses five counties—Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, and Essex—and intersects with numerous other important roadways, including Interstate 78 and the Garden State Parkway.

Route description

Beginning at the Delaware River crossing from Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S. Route 22 enters New Jersey in Phillipsburg concurrent with U.S. Route 202. It proceeds eastward through the rolling hills of Warren County, passing near the Musconetcong River. The highway runs parallel to the former Central Railroad of New Jersey line and the South Branch Raritan River in Hunterdon County. In Somerville, the county seat of Somerset County, it forms a major junction with U.S. Route 202 and U.S. Route 206. East of Bridgewater, it interchanges with Interstate 287 and Interstate 78, becoming a controlled-access freeway. Through Union County, it passes Watchung Reservation and serves Springfield and Union. In Essex County, the route becomes a heavily traveled urban arterial through Irvington before terminating at a complex interchange with U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 9 in Newark, near Newark Liberty International Airport.

History

The alignment of U.S. Route 22 in New Jersey largely follows early 20th-century auto trails, including the William Penn Highway. It was officially designated as part of the United States Numbered Highway System in 1926. Significant improvements began in the 1930s under the Works Progress Administration, with many segments widened and straightened. Major reconstruction occurred during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the section between Phillipsburg and Somerville, to improve safety and capacity. The freeway conversion of the eastern segment, including the critical interchange with Interstate 78, was completed in the late 1970s. Historical landmarks along the route include the Somerset County Courthouse and the former General Motors assembly plant in Linden.

Major intersections

Major junctions are listed from west to east. The entire route is in New Jersey. * in Phillipsburg – Easton, Pennsylvania * in Clinton * in Somerville * in Bridgewater * in Bridgewater * in Union * in Union * in Springfield * in Hillside * in Newark

Auxiliary routes

U.S. Route 22 has one auxiliary route in New Jersey, designated U.S. Route 122. This route was established in 1926 and originally ran from U.S. Route 22 in Phillipsburg north to the New York state line near Columbia. It was decommissioned in 1927 and largely replaced by U.S. Route 611 and later New Jersey Route 94. No other three-digit U.S. Route 22 spurs currently exist within the state.

Category:U.S. Route 22