Interstate 78

Interstate 78 is a major east-west Interstate Highway that spans approximately 146 miles, connecting Pennsylvania Route 309 at Lehighton, Pennsylvania to the Holland Tunnel at New York City, passing through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The highway is a significant transportation artery, providing access to several major cities, including Allentown, Pennsylvania, Easton, Pennsylvania, and Newark, New Jersey. Federal Highway Administration and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials have designated Interstate 78 as a critical route for commercial and passenger traffic, with connections to Interstate 81, Interstate 476, and U.S. Route 22.

● Route Description

The route of Interstate 78 begins at an intersection with Pennsylvania Route 309 in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, near the Lehigh River and Blue Mountain. From there, it proceeds east through the Lehigh Valley region, passing near Allentown, Pennsylvania, and intersecting with U.S. Route 222 and Pennsylvania Route 100. As it enters New Jersey, Interstate 78 intersects with Interstate 287 and U.S. Route 202, before continuing east towards Newark, New Jersey and the Holland Tunnel, which connects to Manhattan in New York City. The highway also passes near several notable landmarks, including the Delaware River, Raritan River, and Watchung Reservation.

● History

The construction of Interstate 78 began in the late 1950s, as part of the larger Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which aimed to establish a comprehensive network of highways across the United States. The project involved the collaboration of several government agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, New Jersey Department of Transportation, and New York State Department of Transportation. The highway was officially opened to traffic in 1969, with a ceremony attended by Governor of Pennsylvania Raymond P. Shafer, Governor of New Jersey William T. Cahill, and Mayor of New York City John V. Lindsay.

● Major Intersections

Interstate 78 has several major intersections with other highways, including Interstate 81 near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Interstate 476 in Pennsylvania, and Interstate 287 in New Jersey. The highway also intersects with U.S. Route 22 in New Jersey, providing access to Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of Newark. Additionally, Interstate 78 connects to several state highways, including Pennsylvania Route 309, Pennsylvania Route 100, and New Jersey Route 24. Other notable intersections include U.S. Route 1/9 and New Jersey Route 21 in Newark, New Jersey.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on Interstate 78 varies significantly depending on the location and time of day. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, the highway carries an average of over 100,000 vehicles per day in the New York City area, with peak volumes exceeding 200,000 vehicles per day during rush hour. In contrast, the traffic volume in rural areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey is significantly lower, with average daily volumes ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 vehicles per day. The highway is also an important route for commercial traffic, with connections to several major intermodal freight terminals, including the Port of Newark and Lehigh Valley International Airport.

● Auxiliary Routes

There are several auxiliary routes of Interstate 78, including Interstate 278 and Interstate 678, which provide access to New York City and its surrounding areas. Interstate 278 connects to the Brooklyn Bridge and Queens-Midtown Expressway, while Interstate 678 provides access to John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Van Wyck Expressway. Other auxiliary routes include U.S. Route 1/9 Truck, which provides an alternate route for commercial traffic in New Jersey, and New Jersey Route 139, which connects to the Pulaski Skyway.

● Accidents and Incidents

Like any major highway, Interstate 78 has experienced its share of accidents and incidents over the years. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 1,000 crashes on the highway in 2020, resulting in several fatalities and injuries. The most common causes of accidents on Interstate 78 include distracted driving, excessive speed, and reckless driving. The highway has also been the site of several notable incidents, including a helicopter crash in Manhattan and a bus crash in New Jersey. Federal Highway Administration, New York State Department of Transportation, and New Jersey Department of Transportation have implemented various safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents on the highway, including the installation of traffic cameras and variable message signs.