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The Ultimate Guide To America's Longest Road: Is It A Street Or A Transcontinental Highway?

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The question of the "longest street in the US" is a classic American trivia trap. While many local legends claim the title, the true answer depends entirely on how you define the word "street"—is it a continuous urban thoroughfare, or does it include the vast, interconnected network of transcontinental highways? As of late , the record is split between a notorious, vibrant urban stretch in Colorado and a massive, historic highway that spans the entire country, offering two completely different, yet equally impressive, answers.

To settle the debate, this comprehensive guide breaks down the true record holders, separating the longest continuous commercial street from the undisputed longest road in the United States. Prepare to have your perception of American geography and road trip planning completely changed.

The Undisputed Champion: America's Longest Highway (U.S. Route 20)

If the definition of "street" is broadened to include the longest continuous, named, and numbered asphalt route in the country, then the title belongs unequivocally to U.S. Route 20 (US 20). This legendary highway is the ultimate representation of the American road trip, connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific in a monumental journey.

U.S. Route 20: The Coast-to-Coast Colossus

Established in 1926 as one of the original U.S. Numbered Highways, US 20 is the longest road in the United States, and the only one to receive a "0" in its number, signifying its status as a major transcontinental route.

  • Total Length: 3,365 miles (5,415 km).
  • Termini: East: Boston, Massachusetts | West: Newport, Oregon.
  • States Traversed (12): Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
  • Historical Significance: US 20 was a crucial artery for westward expansion and remains a popular scenic route, often running parallel to the newer Interstate 90 (I-90) for long stretches.
  • Notable Stops: It passes through or near iconic American landmarks, including Yellowstone National Park, the Great Lakes region, and the historic city of Boston.

The sheer scale of U.S. Route 20 is what makes it the true "longest road" champion. It is a vital piece of American infrastructure, traversing diverse landscapes from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the rolling plains and the historic East Coast. Driving its full length is a bucket-list adventure that requires weeks of dedicated travel, offering a genuine coast-to-coast experience.

The Urban Legend: America's Longest Continuous Street (Colfax Avenue)

For those who insist on a route that is officially named a "Street" and functions primarily as an urban or commercial thoroughfare, the title belongs to the infamous Colfax Avenue in Colorado. This street holds a unique and colorful place in American history, known for its length and its notorious reputation.

Colfax Avenue: The "Longest, Wickedest Street in America"

Colfax Avenue, which runs East-West through the Denver Metropolitan Area, is officially recognized as the longest continuous commercial street in the United States. Its length and history are a testament to the growth and grit of the American West.

  • Total Length: Just under 50 miles (approximately 80 km).
  • Route: It stretches from Golden in the west, through Lakewood, Denver, and Aurora, finally ending near Strasburg in the east.
  • Nickname Origin: The street earned its famous moniker, the "longest, wickedest street in America," from *Playboy* magazine in the 1970s, due to its history of vibrant nightlife, seedy establishments, and general urban edge.
  • Current Status: Today, Colfax Avenue is a cultural and historical landmark, a vibrant mix of historic theaters, local businesses, government buildings, and diverse neighborhoods, celebrating its unique character.

The key word here is "continuous." Colfax Avenue maintains its name and function as a primary street across multiple municipalities and county lines without interruption, which is a rare feat for a major urban street in the US. While its western and eastern ends transition into state highways (like U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 287), the central stretch through the core of Denver remains the iconic, record-holding street.

Other Contenders: Longest Urban Streets in the US

The title of "longest street" is often debated, with many major cities laying claim to their own lengthy thoroughfares. These contenders, while not matching US 20's transcontinental length or Colfax's continuous commercial status, are nonetheless impressive urban marvels that deserve recognition.

1. Western Avenue (Chicago, Illinois)

Western Avenue is a major north-south arterial street in Chicago and its suburbs, often cited as one of the longest continuous streets in the world, not just the US. It runs from West Howard Street in Evanston down to 147th Street deep in the South Side. Its length is estimated to be over 27 miles (43 km), making it a significant urban corridor that runs almost the entire length of the city and its surrounding areas.

2. Broadway (New York City, New York)

Broadway, famous for its theater district, is another historic contender. While its iconic Manhattan stretch is well-known, the street historically ran much farther north, following the route of the old Bloomingdale Road. The total length of Broadway within New York City is approximately 15 miles (24 km), but its historical route extended up toward Albany. While it is the longest street in New York City, it is significantly shorter than Colfax Avenue's continuous commercial length.

3. Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1, California)

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), or parts of it known as the Cabrillo Highway or Redwood Highway, is a legendary scenic route that runs along the majority of the California coastline. While it is a state highway (CA-1), its various names often function as the main "street" through many coastal towns, and its overall length is over 650 miles. However, because it is a numbered state route and changes names, it does not qualify for the "continuous street" title, but it is certainly one of the longest continuous *coastal roads* in the country.

Topical Authority: Why the Title is So Confusing

The confusion over the longest street in the US stems from a fundamental difference in road classification and urban planning:

  • Street (Urban vs. Rural): A "street" is typically an urban or suburban road with commercial or residential properties lining it. Colfax Avenue perfectly fits this definition, maintaining its name and urban function across multiple city limits for nearly 50 miles.
  • Road / Highway (Numbered Routes): A "road" or "highway" is a numbered route (like US 20 or I-80) designed for long-distance, high-speed travel, often traversing multiple states. These routes are significantly longer but are not generally referred to as a "street" in the traditional sense.
  • The Name Change Problem: Most lengthy urban streets, like those in Los Angeles or Houston, change names as they cross municipal or county lines, disqualifying them from the "longest *continuous* street" title that Colfax Avenue proudly holds.

Ultimately, the answer depends on your intention. If you are looking for the longest single, named ribbon of asphalt that connects the entire nation, the transcontinental highway U.S. Route 20 is your champion. If you are looking for the longest, most continuous urban thoroughfare that maintains its identity as a "street" through a major metropolitan area, the title belongs to Denver's historic Colfax Avenue.

The Ultimate Guide to America's Longest Road: Is It a Street or a Transcontinental Highway?
longest street in the us
longest street in the us

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