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Known For Its Impressive 5,180 Kilometers, U.S. Route 20 Is Famous For Being the Longest Road in the United States, But a Detailed Analysis of the Facts Reveals That Its Actual Length Is Shorter and the Title Disputed.
U.S. Route 20 is one of America’s most iconic arteries. It spans the country from coast to coast, connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic in a journey that is a true portrait of the geographical and cultural diversity of the United States. For decades, it has held the title of Longest Road in the United States.
However, according to an article published on transportation specialty websites, such as Transport Topics, the famous mileage of the route is a myth based on outdated and inaccurate data. The true story of U.S. 20 is even more interesting and reveals a fierce competition for the top ranking and a unique character that sets it apart from modern highways.
The Coast-to-Coast Route: The Journey from Newport to Boston
U.S. Route 20 is a transcontinental road that crosses 12 U.S. states. Its starting point (western terminus) is the city of Newport, Oregon, less than 2 km from the Pacific Ocean. From there, it heads east, ending in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, at Kenmore Square.
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Along its route, the longest road in the United States traverses spectacular landscapes, such as the Cascade Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, the Nebraska plains, and the industrial region of the Great Lakes, before reaching the east coast.
The Myth of 5,415 Km: Why the Longest Road in the United States Is Actually Shorter?
The famous length of 5,415 kilometers (or 3,365 miles) that established U.S. 20 as the Longest Road in the United States originates from an official record from 1989. However, a more detailed analysis showed that this number was incorrect.
The original calculation mistakenly included the mileage of all auxiliary routes. The actual length of the main route is, in fact, more than 225 km shorter, falling between 5,150 and 5,180 kilometers.
The Dispute for the Title: U.S. Route 6 and the Gap in Yellowstone National Park
With the correction of its mileage, U.S. Route 20 now has a strong competitor for the title of longest: U.S. Route 6. Recent measurements indicate that U.S. 6 is actually a bit longer.
Additionally, U.S. 20 has a peculiar characteristic: it is not technically continuous. The road has no official designation within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. This gap makes U.S. Route 6 the longest continuous road in the United States, indisputably.
The Difference Between U.S. Highways and Interstates
U.S. Route 20 is part of the “U.S. Highways” system, established on November 11, 1926. This older system was drawn over existing roads and therefore often passes through cities and towns, functioning as the “main street” of America.
This sets it apart from the modern “Interstates,” like I-90, which runs parallel to it. The Interstates, created starting in 1956, were designed to be expressways, with controlled access and high speeds, bypassing cities to prioritize efficiency.
More Than a Road, a Journey Through American Culture
Traveling along U.S. Route 20 is a cultural experience. Being older and integrated into cities, the road leads to iconic landmarks that are not found on the Interstates.
Among the most famous attractions along its route are Carhenge in Nebraska, a replica of Stonehenge made with old cars, and the baseball field from the film “Field of Dreams” in Iowa. Traveling along U.S. 20 is not just crossing the country but traversing a living museum of American road culture.
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