U.S. Route 9 is one of the few American highways that requires a ferry

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning from Delaware to the Canadian border, U.S. Route 9 is a unique artery in the American landscape. It is one of only two U.S. Highways that incorporates a ferry crossing into its official route, bridging the gap between Delaware and New Jersey across the Delaware Bay.

U.S. Route 9 is a north-south highway traversing Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. While most U.S. Highways are strictly land-based, Route 9 is distinct for its reliance on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry to connect its southern segments. This ferry connection was established in 1974, when the route was extended into Delaware by absorbing existing state roads. Before 1964, the highway's southern terminus was located in Cape May, New Jersey, before being rerouted to accommodate the ferry service.

The character of the road shifts dramatically along its length. In New Jersey, it often serves as a high-capacity, multi-lane artery, frequently running parallel to the Garden State Parkway and merging with U.S. Route 1 to cross the Pulaski Skyway. Locally, this shared section is known as the 'one and nine.' As the route moves into New York, it follows the historic Albany Post Road, passing landmarks like Sunnyside and Kykuit. Further north, it transitions into a quieter, two-lane road that winds through the forested wilderness of the Adirondack Park.

The northern end of the highway is equally notable for its abrupt conclusion. While it once continued toward Montreal, the official terminus is now located just south of an interchange with I-87 in Champlain, New York. The original roadway extends for only 0.46 miles as an unsigned state route, ending in a cul-de-sac just before the Canadian border. Beyond its utility as a transportation corridor, the highway has embedded itself in American culture, appearing in multiple songs by Bruce Springsteen and serving as a setting in the film Smoke.

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