United States Route 4

United States Route 4 is a major east-west United States Numbered Highway that spans across the northeastern part of the United States, passing through Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and connecting to major cities like New York City, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont. The route is significant for its role in the American Revolution, with historic sites like Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, and its connection to notable figures such as Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell. It also intersects with other major highways, including Interstate 89 and Interstate 91, which provide access to Montreal and Albany, New York.

● Route Description

The route begins in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, at an intersection with U.S. Route 1, and proceeds northwest through Kent County, Rhode Island, passing near University of Rhode Island and Scituate, Rhode Island. As it enters Massachusetts, it intersects with Massachusetts Route 128 and Interstate 95, providing access to Boston and Cape Cod. The route then continues through the Berkshire Mountains, passing near Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It also passes through Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the hometown of Herman Melville and Arlo Guthrie, before entering New York and intersecting with New York State Route 22 and Interstate 87.

● History

The route was established in 1926 as part of the original United States Numbered Highway System, and it has undergone several changes and realignments over the years, including the construction of Interstate 89 and Interstate 91 in the 1960s. The route has also been affected by significant events, such as the Great Depression and World War II, which led to increased traffic and the need for improvements. Notable figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower have played a role in shaping the route's history, with their policies and initiatives influencing the development of the United States highway system. The route has also been impacted by the work of organizations like the American Automobile Association and the Federal Highway Administration.

● Major Intersections

The route intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 95 in Massachusetts, Interstate 89 in New Hampshire, and Interstate 91 in Vermont. It also intersects with U.S. Route 7 in Rutland, Vermont, and Vermont Route 100 in Killington, Vermont, providing access to popular ski resorts like Killington Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort. Other notable intersections include New York State Route 22 in Granville, New York, and Massachusetts Route 2 in North Adams, Massachusetts, which provide connections to Lake George, New York, and The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

● Route Mileage

The total length of the route is approximately 252.93 miles, with the longest segment being in Vermont, where it spans over 66 miles. The route passes through a variety of landscapes, including the Green Mountains and the Hudson Valley, and provides access to numerous National Park Service sites, such as Acadia National Park and Saratoga National Historical Park. The route also intersects with several National Scenic Byways, including the Mohawk Trail and the Kancamagus Highway.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on the route varies significantly depending on the location and time of year, with the highest volumes typically occurring during peak summer months and holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, the average annual daily traffic volume on the route ranges from around 10,000 vehicles per day in rural areas to over 50,000 vehicles per day in urban areas like Albany, New York, and Burlington, Vermont. The route is also an important connector for Amtrak and Greyhound Lines services, providing access to major transportation hubs like Penn Station and South Station. Category:United States highways