US-2

US-2 is a major east-west United States highway that spans over 2,500 miles, connecting the states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The highway passes through various notable cities, including Seattle, Spokane, Minneapolis, Duluth, Marquette, and Bangor. US-2 also intersects with several major highways, such as Interstate 5, Interstate 15, Interstate 29, Interstate 35, and Interstate 75. Additionally, the highway runs parallel to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Great Northern Railway for certain stretches.

● Route Description

US-2 begins at an intersection with Interstate 90 in Newman Lake, Washington, and heads east through the Rocky Mountains, passing near Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. The highway then enters Montana and continues east, intersecting with US-93 and US-12 in Missoula and US-89 in Glasgow. US-2 also passes through the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn. The highway then enters North Dakota and intersects with US-85 and US-52 in Minot.

● History

The establishment of US-2 dates back to 1926, when the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) designated the route as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System. The highway was initially routed through the states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Over the years, the route has undergone several changes, including realignments and extensions. In 1948, the highway was extended east to Houlton, Maine, and in 1961, the route was realigned to bypass the city of Duluth. US-2 has also been recognized for its scenic beauty, with sections of the highway designated as part of the Great River Road and the Lake Superior Circle Tour.

● Major Intersections

US-2 intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 5 in Seattle, Interstate 15 in Shelby, Interstate 29 in Grand Forks, and Interstate 35 in Duluth. The highway also intersects with US-71 in Bemidji, US-51 in Hurley, and US-23 in Mackinaw City. Additionally, US-2 passes through the Adirondack Park in New York and the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The highway also runs concurrent with US-141 in Iron Mountain and US-8 in Rhinelander.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on US-2 varies greatly depending on the location and time of year. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average annual daily traffic (AADT) on US-2 ranges from over 40,000 vehicles per day in urban areas like Seattle and Minneapolis to less than 1,000 vehicles per day in rural areas like Montana and North Dakota. The highway is also an important route for commercial traffic, with many truck stops and rest areas located along the route. US-2 passes through the Port of Seattle and the Port of Duluth-Superior, which are major shipping hubs for the United States. The highway also intersects with the Canadian National Railway and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

● Notable Points

US-2 passes through several notable points, including the Columbia River Gorge, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Lakes. The highway also runs parallel to the Lake Michigan shoreline and passes through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. US-2 intersects with the Blue Ridge Parkway in New York and the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. The highway also passes through the Vermont towns of Montpelier and St. Johnsbury, and the Maine towns of Bangor and Presque Isle. Additionally, US-2 runs concurrent with the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts and the White Mountain Trail in New Hampshire. Category:United States highways