The Most Popular Highway: Ranking the Favorites

Voting rules: Choose the highway you think is the most popular!

Updated on Sep 13, 2023 09:18

Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion drives the conversation! Fasten your seatbelts and join us as we cruise through the most popular highways across the globe. With thousands of miles of asphalt connecting cities, states, and countries, it's time for you to vote for the ultimate king of the road! From the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway to the bustling Autobahn, which highway will emerge as the reigning champion? Cast your vote, suggest a missing route, and watch as your favorite highway climbs up the ranking. Rev your engines and let's embark on this thrilling adventure to discover the world's most popular highway, only on StrawPoll!

What Is the Most Popular Highway? (September 2023)

1

73
votes
Wallace Parry · CC BY-SA 3.0

Interstate 95

This highway runs along the East Coast of the United States and is the longest north-south interstate in the country, connecting major cities like Miami, New York City, and Boston. It is known for its high traffic volume and frequent congestion.
Description

Interstate 95 is one of the most prominent highways in the United States, running along the East Coast for approximately 1,900 miles. It serves as a major north-south transportation corridor, connecting many important cities and regions.

Length: 1,900 miles (3,060 kilometers)

States crossed: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida

Major cities served: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, and Miami

Type: Interstate highway

Primary use: Passenger and commercial vehicle transportation
2

21
votes
David Winkler · CC BY-SA 3.0

Route 66

Dublin Bus

This historic highway runs from Chicago to Los Angeles and is famous for its scenic views and quirky roadside attractions. Although it is no longer an officially recognized highway, it remains a popular tourist destination.
Description

The Route 66 is one of the most popular bus routes in Dublin. It provides a convenient transportation option for commuters and tourists alike, connecting the suburbs of Blanchardstown and Merrion Square. This route offers scenic views of the city and passes through several key attractions and neighborhoods.

Route Number: 66

Start Point: Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

End Point: Merrion Square

Total Distance: 16 kilometers

Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Route 66 in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Dublin bus
3

14
votes
Dhanix at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Interstate 10

Bureau of Public Roads

This highway stretches from Santa Monica, California to Jacksonville, Florida, making it one of the longest interstates in the country. It passes through major cities like Phoenix, Houston, and New Orleans, and is known for its scenic desert views.
Description

Interstate 10 (I-10) is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. It spans approximately 2,460 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California to Jacksonville, Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

Length: 2,460 miles (3,959 km)

States served: 8 (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida)

Major cities: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Mobile, Tallahassee, Jacksonville

Year opened: 1957

Speed limit: Varies by state, generally 70-80 mph (112-129 km/h)
4

24
votes
Pacific Coast Highway

This scenic highway runs along the California coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline. It passes through popular tourist destinations like Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur.
Description

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, is a scenic highway that runs along the beautiful coastline of California. This highway stretches for approximately 655 miles, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal cliffs, and sandy beaches.

Length: 655 miles

Location: California, United States

Start Point: Dana Point

End Point: Leggett

Scenic Views: Pacific Ocean, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches
5

7
votes
Airtuna08 (talk) · CC BY 3.0

Interstate 75

This highway runs from Miami, Florida to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and passes through major cities like Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Detroit. It is known for its high traffic volume and frequent construction zones.
Description

Interstate 75 (I-75) is a major north-south interstate highway in the United States. Stretching from Miami, Florida to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, it is one of the longest interstate highways in the country, spanning approximately 1,786 miles. I-75 passes through eleven states, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan, among others. It serves as a vital transportation corridor, connecting several major cities, tourist destinations, and commercial hubs along its route.

Rest Areas: Features multiple rest areas providing amenities for travelers

Length: 1,786 miles (2,875 kilometers)

States Traversed: Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota

Major Cities Served: Miami, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Detroit, among others

Transportation Corridor: Connects various regions, linking tourist destinations, commercial centers, and residential areas.
6

2
votes
Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0

Interstate 40

This highway runs from Barstow, California to Wilmington, North Carolina, and passes through major cities like Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, and Nashville. It is known for its scenic desert and mountain views.
Description

Interstate 40, also known as I-40, is a major east-west highway in the United States. Spanning from coast to coast, it stretches approximately 2,555 miles (4,113 km) in length. I-40 passes through multiple states, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and ends in North Carolina.

Length: 2,555 miles (4,113 km)

States passed through: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina

Eastern terminus: Wilmington, North Carolina

Western terminus: Barstow, California

Number of states passed through: 9
7

10
votes
Aneekr at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Interstate 80

Dwight D. Eisenhower

This highway runs from San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey, passing through major cities like Salt Lake City, Omaha, and Cleveland. It is known for its long stretches of flat, straight roadway.
Description

Interstate 80 is a major highway in the United States that runs from San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey. It is one of the busiest and most popular highways in the country, connecting various cities and regions along its route.

Length: 2,899 miles (4,666 km)

States traversed: 10 (California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania)

Established: 1956

Major cities connected: San Francisco, Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Des Moines, Iowa City, Chicago, Gary, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, and New York City

Terrain: Varies from urban areas to mountainous regions
8

10
votes
Interstate 5

This highway runs from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, passing through major cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle. It is known for its heavy traffic and frequent congestion.
Description

Interstate 5 (I-5) is a major north-south highway in the United States, running primarily along the Pacific Coast from the Mexican border in San Ysidro, California to the Canadian border at Blaine, Washington. It is one of the busiest, longest, and most important highways in the country, connecting several major cities in three states.

Length: 1,381.29 miles (2,222.97 kilometers)

States Traversed: California, Oregon, Washington

Major Cities Connected: San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle

Number of Interchanges: Over 700

Interstate System Number: 5
9

3
votes
Dominika Durtan · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway

Henry Flagler

This scenic highway runs from Key Largo to Key West, offering stunning views of the ocean and islands. It passes over 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
Description

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, is a famous and scenic highway that stretches for approximately 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys, United States. It is an iconic road that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as numerous bridges and islands along the way.

Length: 113 miles

Location: Florida Keys, United States

Start Point: Key Largo

End Point: Key West

Number of Bridges: 42
10

3
votes
The Blue Ridge Parkway

This scenic highway runs through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of the fall foliage and mountain scenery. It passes through Virginia and North Carolina and is known for its winding, scenic route.
Description

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway located in the eastern United States. Stretching for 469 miles (755 kilometers), it connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The parkway primarily follows the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 469 miles (755 kilometers)

Location: Eastern United States

Connecting: Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)

Scenic Features: Breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding landscapes

Road Type: Two-lane paved road

Missing your favorite highway?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for popular highway

Traffic volume

The number of vehicles using the highway on a daily basis is an important factor in determining the popularity of a highway. This includes both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
Connectivity

A popular highway should connect major cities, regions, or attractions, providing a vital link for commerce, tourism, and commuting.
Length and coverage

The extent or length of the highway, as well as the areas it serves, are essential factors to consider. Longer highways that traverse multiple states or regions are likely to be more popular than their shorter counterparts.
Road quality and maintenance

Highways with smooth surfaces, well-maintained signs and markings, and regular maintenance are more appealing to drivers and likely to be more popular than poorly maintained highways.
Safety

The safety record of a highway, including the number of accidents and fatalities that occur on it, is a crucial determinant of its popularity. A highway with a good safety record will be preferred by drivers.
Scenic beauty

While not a necessity, a popular highway might also provide a pleasurable driving experience, with scenic views and interesting landscapes that make a road trip more enjoyable.
Availability of amenities and services

Highways with rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and lodging options along their routes are more likely to be popular among drivers, as these services make traveling more convenient and comfortable.
Toll rates (if applicable)

If a highway has tolls, the cost to use it can impact its popularity. Highways with lower toll rates may be more popular among drivers, especially for long-distance travel.
Congestion and travel time

Highways that are frequently congested or have long travel times may be less popular among drivers. A highway with smooth traffic flow and minimal delays is likely to be more appealing to users.
Cultural or historical significance

Some highways gain popularity due to their historical or cultural importance, as they may be associated with significant events or landmarks.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular highway. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite highway is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1605 views
167 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each highway once every 24 hours. The rank of each highway is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular highway

Highways are an integral part of modern day transportation, connecting cities and states across the country. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which highway is the most popular. Some may argue that the Interstate 95, stretching from Miami to Maine, is the most popular due to its length and connection to major cities along the East Coast. Others may point to the historic Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Santa Monica and is known for its iconic roadside attractions. Whatever your preference may be, there's no denying the importance and impact of highways on our daily lives.

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