Hubbry Logo
U.S. Route 17U.S. Route 17Main
Open search
U.S. Route 17
Community hub
U.S. Route 17
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
U.S. Route 17
U.S. Route 17
U.S. Route 17
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

U.S. Route 17 marker
U.S. Route 17
Coastal Highway
Map
US 17 highlighted in red
Route information
Length1,206.47 mi[citation needed] (1,941.63 km)
Existed1926[citation needed]–present
Major junctions
South end US 41 in Punta Gorda, FL
Major intersections
North end US 11 / US 50 / US 522 in Winchester, VA
Location
CountryUnited States
StatesFlorida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia
Highway system
← US 16→ US 18

U.S. Route 17 or U.S. Highway 17 (US 17), also known as the Coastal Highway, is a north–south United States Numbered Highway that spans in the Southeastern United States. It runs close to the Atlantic Coast for much of its length, with the exception of the portion between Punta Gorda and Jacksonville, Florida, and the portion from Fredericksburg to Winchester, Virginia, both of which follow a more inland route. Major metropolitan areas served along US 17's route include the Punta Gorda, Greater Orlando, and Jacksonville metropolitan areas in Florida, the Brunswick and Savannah metropolitan areas in Georgia, the Charleston and Myrtle Beach metropolitan areas in South Carolina, the Cape Fear and New Bern metropolitan areas in North Carolina, and the Hampton Roads and Winchester metropolitan areas in Virginia.

The highway's southern terminus is at Punta Gorda, Florida, at an intersection with US 41. Traveling north, US 17 joins up with US 50 in Paris, Virginia, and the northern terminus of US 17 is in downtown Winchester. This is also the point at which the portion of US 50 called the Northwestern Turnpike begins.

Though US 1 is generally considered to be the highway that runs alongside Interstate 95 (I-95), US 17 runs parallel to I-95 for much of its extent and even shares the same physical road for short spans in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Ridgeland, South Carolina. As such, US 17 is out of sequence in the U.S. Highway numbering plan (US 17 would, under the plan, run parallel to and between US 15 and US 19; the U.S. Highway following that path is instead marked US 219).

Route description

[edit]
Lengths
  mi km
FL 317 510
GA 124 200
SC 221 356
NC 286 460
VA 256 412
Total 1,204 1,938

Florida

[edit]
Main article: U.S. Route 17 in Florida

US 17 begins in downtown Punta Gorda at US 41 (Cross Street), just to the west of the Tamiami Trail. After running east, it runs roughly north along the Peace River, through Arcadia, Zolfo Springs (where it crosses the Peace River), and Wauchula. At Fort Meade, it joins with US 98, which follows it northward (westward on US 98) until Bartow. While US 98 goes northwest, US 17 goes northeast.

US 17 begins a long concurrency with US 92 just north of Winter Haven in Lake Alfred (US 92 following eastbound), which takes both highways through Kissimmee, where they join US 192. Like US 92, US 17 roughly parallels I-4 along the overlap. When all three meet US 441, US 192 follows US 441 southbound, while US 17/US 92 follows US 441 north into downtown Orlando. US 17/US 92 then splits from US 441 at State Road 50 (SR 50, Colonial Drive) and jogs east, splitting back north from SR 50 when it meets SR 15 (Mills Avenue).

In Sanford, US 17/US 92 crosses the St. Johns River into Volusia County via the Bill Benedict Bridge.

US 92 then splits away from US 17 north of DeLand, as US 92 continues east to Daytona Beach on International Speedway Boulevard, while US 17 continues north toward Palatka, where it again crosses the St. Johns River.

In Clay County, US 17 runs through suburban Jacksonville. The northern stretch of US 17 in Clay County is known as Park Avenue.

In Jacksonville, the southern portion of US 17 is known as Roosevelt Boulevard. Here, the highway goes past Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax). Near downtown Jacksonville, US 17 joins I-10 for approximately one mile (1.6 km), before merging into I-95. US 17 then exits onto Union Street and continues as North Main Street until the Nassau County border. It then continues until it reaches the Georgia state line, crossing over the St. Marys River.

Georgia

[edit]
Main article: U.S. Route 17 in Georgia
A canopy of oak trees over a section of US 17 in McIntosh County, Georgia

In Woodbine, US 17 crosses the Satilla River by way of the J. Edwin Godley Bridge. In Brunswick, the route traverses the South Brunswick River over the Sidney Lanier Bridge, then across the Altamaha River bridge between Glynn and McIntosh counties. At the South Carolina state line, US 17 crosses the Savannah River on the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

South Carolina

[edit]
Main article: U.S. Route 17 in South Carolina

US 17 enters South Carolina in Jasper County as a two-lane road and within eight miles (13 km) enters Hardeeville, where it becomes a four-lane configuration. US 17 intersects I-95 in Hardeeville and runs parallel to I-95 until Ridgeland, where it merges with the Interstate until Point South. At Point South, US 17 leaves I-95 and heads eastward into northern Beaufort County, sharing a concurrency with US 21 until Gardens Corner. US 21 splits off to Beaufort while US 17 heads northeast into the ACE Basin and Colleton County. This stretch of road has been upgraded from a two-lane to a four-lane configuration, due to safety concerns.

Once in Jacksonboro, the road enters Charleston County, crossing the Edisto River and maintains a four-lane configuration for the remainder of the state. The road passes through several rural communities as it approaches Charleston from the west. In Charleston, the 3.6-mile (5.8 km) section running from South Carolina Highway 171 (SC 171) to Sam Rittenberg Boulevard has been named the "Charleston Nine Memorial Highway", in honor of nine Charleston firefighters killed in the line of duty in the Charleston Sofa Super Store fire on June 18, 2007.[1] US 17 passes through the West Ashley community before it traverses the Ashley River Drawbridges to the Charleston Peninsula. From the drawbridges, it is known as the Septima Clark Crosstown Connector and is mostly routed north of the affluent historical areas of the city. Upon reaching the I-26 terminus, US 17 becomes limited-access and above grade as it approaches the Cooper River via the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The stretch of US 17 in Charleston is infamous among locals for its traffic congestion, especially on weekday mornings.[citation needed]

Upon crossing the river, the highway enters Mount Pleasant at grade and is signalized for several miles up through the second interchange with I-526 and connecting roads to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island. The road leaves the Charleston metro area and enters the Francis Marion National Forest[2] and going through the rural communities of Awendaw and McClellanville, where Hurricane Hugo made landfall in September 1989.[3] US 17 continues on its northeastern journey to Georgetown and crosses the marsh-lined Santee River as it enters Georgetown County. US 17's route through Georgetown is a major thoroughfare through the city and skirts the historic district. After going through Georgetown and passing by DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Murrells Inlet, where it splits between a business route and the mainline route, which remains west of the beach and tourist areas served by US 17 Business. US 17 enters Horry County, passes Garden City Beach and Surfside Beach, and bypasses Myrtle Beach. The roads rejoin north of the city and continue as US 17 through Atlantic Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Little River before crossing into North Carolina.

North Carolina

[edit]
Main article: U.S. Route 17 in North Carolina
Historical marker on US 17

In Wilmington, US 17 (here concurrent with I-140) crosses the Northeast Cape Fear River between New Hanover and Brunswick counties over the Dan Cameron Bridge. Between New Bern and James City, US 17 (concurrent with US 70 and North Carolina Highway 55, or NC 55) crosses the Trent River by way of the Freedom Memorial Bridge. Farther east, between James City and Bridgeton, US 17, still concurrent with NC 55, crosses the Neuse River over the Neuse River Bridge.

In Washington, US 17 crosses the Pamlico River over the Pamlico-Tar River Bridge. Farther along, in Williamston, US 17 (concurrent with US 13) crosses the Roanoke River, then the Cashie River at Windsor. At the Bertie County–Chowan county line, US 17 traverses the Chowan River on the Chowan River Bridge, one of the longest bridges along US 17's route. In Perquimans County, US 17 (here concurrent with NC 37) crosses the Yeopim River and the Perquimans River at Hertford. Crossing into Pasquotank County over the Little River, US 17 enters Elizabeth City and begins a short concurrency with US 158. At Morgan's Corner, the US 158 concurrency ends, and US 17 crosses the Pasquotank River into Camden County before heading north into Virginia.

Virginia

[edit]
Main article: U.S. Route 17 in Virginia
View north along US 11, US 522, and west along US 50 (Cameron Street) at the northern terminus of US 17 in Winchester, Virginia

US 17 enters Virginia into the city of Chesapeake, running along the border of the Great Dismal Swamp. It runs through more of the city of Chesapeake and around the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk before it crosses the James River between Newport News and Isle of Wight County on the James River Bridge concurrent with US 258. The route also crosses the York River between Gloucester and York counties at Yorktown on the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. Finally, US 17 traverses the Rappahannock River between Stafford and Spotsylvania counties at Fredericksburg as it overlaps I-95. Then it traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains through Fauquier County and crosses the town of Warrenton. It then merges with I-66 in Marshall and runs concurrently until Delaplane. The highway terminates at a junction with US 11 and US 522 in Winchester.

History

[edit]

Florida

[edit]
A US 17 shield used in Florida prior to 1993

From 1956 until 1993, US 17 signs in Florida featured black numbering on a yellow shield. The color coding of U.S. Highways by the Florida Department of Transportation was stopped when the state could only use federal funding for stock black-and-white; a few yellow US 17 signs remain.[citation needed]

South Carolina

[edit]

US 17 has had slight variations over its history in South Carolina. US 17 once traversed the Cooper River on the John P. Grace and Silas N. Pearman memorial bridges before the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge replaced both in 2005.[4] US 17, first paved in 1940 and known as Kings Highway (named for the historic route),[5] also ran through downtown Myrtle Beach before the new bypass route was finished in the early 1980’s to alleviate heavy traffic. US 17 Alternate was commissioned as a route between Point South and Georgetown, mostly for trucks who wished to bypass Charleston and the weight restrictions of the former bridges.

Hurricane Charley Highway

[edit]

On August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall near the southern terminus of US 17 at Punta Gorda.[6] The hurricane threatened to hit much of the highway,[7] affecting the route in Florida from Punta Gorda to north of Orlando (when Charley followed the route of I-4 out to sea). The Georgia stretch of US 17 was not hit but was under a hurricane warning. When Charley made landfall again in South Carolina, its trail through Virginia was close to US 17.[citation needed]

Major intersections

[edit]
Florida
US 41 in Punta Gorda.
I-75 on the Solana–Cleveland city line
US 98 in Fort Meade. The highways travel concurrently to Bartow.
US 92 in Lake Alfred. The highways travel concurrently to DeLand.
US 27 in Haines City
US 192 in Kissimmee. The highways travel concurrently through the city.
US 192 / US 441 in Kissimmee. US 17/US 441 travel concurrently to Orlando.
I-4 in Orlando
I-4 in Orlando
I-4 northwest of Sanford
I-295 in Jacksonville
I-10 in Jacksonville. The highways travel concurrently through the city.
I-95 in Jacksonville. The highways travel concurrently through the city.
I-95 / US 23 in Jacksonville. US 17/US 23 travel concurrently through the city.
US 1 / US 23 in Jacksonville. US 1/US 17 travel concurrently through the city.
I-295 in Jacksonville
I-95 in Yulee
Georgia
US 82 west of Brunswick. The highways travel concurrently for approximately 0.72 miles (1.16 km).
I-95 / US 82 west of Brunswick
US 341 in Brunswick
US 25 in Brunswick
I-95 south-southeast of Riceboro
US 84 in Midway
I-95 in Richmond Hill
I-516 / US 80 in Savannah. The highways travel concurrently through the city.
I-16 / I-516 / US 80 in Savannah. I-16/US 17 travel concurrently through the city.
South Carolina
I-95 in Hardeeville
US 321 in Hardeeville
US 278 in Hardeeville. The highways travel concurrently to Ridgeland.
I-95 in Ridgeland. The highways travel concurrently to Point South.
US 21 northeast of Pocotaligo. The highways travel concurrently to Gardens Corner.
I-526 in Charleston
I-26 in Charleston. The highways travel concurrently, on separate lanes, through the city.
US 78 in Charleston
US 52 in Charleston
I-526 in Mount Pleasant
US 521 in Georgetown
US 701 in Georgetown
US 501 in Myrtle Beach
North Carolina
I-140 southwest of Leland
US 74 / US 76 in Leland. US 17/US 74 travel concurrently to west of Wilmington. US 17/US 76 travel concurrently to west of Wrightsville Beach.
US 74 / US 421 west of Wilmington. US 17/US 421 travel concurrently to downtown Wilmington.
US 421 in Wilmington
US 117 in Wilmington
US 74 / US 76 in Wilmington west of Wrightsville Beach
NC 140 in Kirkland
US 70 west of New Bern. The highways travel concurrently to the New Bern–James City city line.
US 264 in Washington
US 13 / US 64 south-southwest of Williamston. US 13/US 17 travel concurrently to Windsor. US 17/US 64 travel concurrently to south of Williamston.
US 158 in Elizabeth City. The highways travel concurrently to southeast of Morgans Corner.
Virginia
I-64 / I-464 in Chesapeake. I-64/US 17 travel concurrently through the city.
US 13 / US 460 in Chesapeake
I-264 in Portsmouth
US 58 in Portsmouth
I-664 in Suffolk
US 258 in Bartlett. The highways travel concurrently to Newport News.
US 60 in Newport News
I-64 in Newport News
US 360 in Brays Fork. The highways travel concurrently to Tappahannock.
US 301 in Port Royal Cross Roads
US 1 south of Fredericksburg. The highways travel concurrently for approximately 1.18 miles (1.90 km).
I-95 south of Fredericksburg. I-95/US 17 travel concurrently to northwest of Falmouth.
US 15 / US 29 in Opal. The highways travel concurrently to Warrenton.
I-66 southeast of Marshall. The highways travel concurrently for approximately 4.69 miles (7.55 km).
US 50 southeast of Paris. The highways travel concurrently to Winchester.
US 340 in Waterloo
I-81 / US 522 southeast of Winchester. US 17/US 522 travel concurrently to Winchester.
US 11 in Winchester. The highways travel concurrently through the city.

[8]

See also

[edit]
[edit]

Special routes

[edit]
Main article: Special routes of U.S. Route 17

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

U.S. Route 17

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
U.S. Route 17, also known as the Coastal Highway, is a major north–south Numbered Highway in the that extends approximately 1,200 miles (1,900 km) from its southern terminus at an intersection with in , to its northern terminus at an intersection with in . The highway traverses five states—, Georgia, , , and —generally paralleling the Atlantic coastline and Interstate 95, while serving as a key corridor for coastal and . It connects a diverse array of small towns, historic districts, and natural landscapes, including waterfront communities, gardens, and maritime heritage sites, making it a popular scenic alternative to interstate . Established as part of the original U.S. Numbered Highway system in 1926, Route 17 has evolved into a vital artery for regional commerce, evacuation routes during hurricanes, and access to attractions such as Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, the USS North Carolina battleship in Wilmington, and the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. In Virginia, it forms the backbone of the Coastal Corridor in the state's transportation plan, supporting economic development along the eastern seaboard.

Route description

Florida

US Route 17 in Florida intersects several major highways and interstates along its 317-mile course from Punta Gorda to the Georgia state line, with key grade-separated interchanges facilitating connections to the state's interstate system. The following table summarizes significant northbound junctions, including approximate mile markers, concurrent routes where applicable, and notes on interchange types or traffic characteristics based on official state data.
Mile Marker (approx.)JunctionLocationNotes
0US 41Punta GordaSouthern terminus; at-grade intersection serving local traffic in Charlotte County.
50I-75Near ArcadiaGrade-separated diamond interchange (I-75 exit 164); connects to central Florida's primary north-south corridor. Bridge over I-75 is a concrete girder structure.
104Florida's Turnpike / I-4Near Haines CityGrade-separated partial cloverleaf (I-4 exit 80); concurrent with US 92 and US 441; high-volume connector to Orlando metro.
170US 92 (begins concurrency)DeLandAt-grade intersection marking start of 99-mile overlap with US 92 through central Florida; urban area.
290I-95JacksonvilleGrade-separated interchange (I-95 exit 366); links to Atlantic coast corridor; elevated ramps with concrete construction.
300I-10JacksonvilleGrade-separated full cloverleaf interchange; critical east-west connector in congested urban area; includes multi-lane flyovers. Urban congestion noted on US 17 approaches.
317Georgia state lineYuleeNorthern terminus in Florida; at-grade continuation into Georgia; Nassau County boundary.

Georgia

U.S. Route 17 traverses approximately 124 miles through Georgia, running parallel to the Atlantic coast and serving as a vital link for coastal travel and freight movement to the . The route maintains a full concurrency with State Route 25 () from the state line north to the state line, sharing signage and pavement throughout. This concurrency supports regional connectivity, with US 17/ providing access to key industrial and port facilities along the way. Major junctions along US 17 in Georgia connect the route to interstates and other highways, emphasizing its role in linking coastal communities to broader transportation networks. The following table summarizes principal intersections, with mile markers measured from the Florida state line south of Kingsland.
MileLocationJunctionNotes
10KingslandI-95Interchange facilitating access to , and northern Georgia; high-traffic entry point for coastal travelers.
25BrunswickUS 82 / SR 520Connection to and inland routes; supports tourism and local commerce in the Golden Isles.
110SavannahI-16 / US 25Critical interchange for east-west freight to the ; handles significant truck volumes from .
124SavannahTalmadge Memorial Bridge (to )Cable-stayed crossing of the to Hutchinson Island; essential for port-bound cargo and regional trade.
US 17/SR 25 crosses multiple rivers in Georgia, including the Satilla River near Woodbine, the Brunswick River in Brunswick via the , the near Darien, the south of Savannah, and the at the northern terminus. Several of these are drawbridges designed to accommodate maritime navigation, such as swing or bascule spans over the Ogeechee and Back rivers, allowing vessels to pass while maintaining highway continuity. Near the , one of the busiest U.S. container ports, US 17 features high-volume freight interchanges that manage substantial truck traffic. The I-16/US 25 junction at mile 110 and the adjacent I-95 connections support over 50,000 daily vehicle movements, including intermodal freight from rail facilities like Mason Mega Rail, underscoring the route's importance for exporting goods through the port's expanding terminals. Ongoing projects aim to enhance these interchanges to reduce congestion and improve freight efficiency.

South Carolina

U.S. Route 17 enters from Georgia across the in Jasper County, initially as a two-lane undivided through rural areas before reaching Hardeeville. There, at approximately mile 20, it intersects Interstate 95 at exit 5, providing a major connection for through traffic along the East Coast. The route then parallels I-95 northward for a short distance, briefly running concurrently with the interstate between Ridgeland and Point South, before diverging to follow a more coastal path through the Lowcountry. Continuing northwest, US 17 reaches Beaufort at roughly mile 50, where it meets U.S. Route 21 at a , serving as a gateway to the historic city and nearby marine bases. The highway then turns northeast, passing through and crossing the Broad River before entering Beaufort County. In the Charleston metropolitan area, at about mile 100, US 17 connects with Interstate 526 via a east of North Charleston, facilitating access to the port and downtown districts. A highlight in this stretch is the , a cable-stayed structure spanning the Cooper River; US 17 crosses it as a four-lane divided highway, with interchanges at either end integrating it into the regional network for efficient traffic flow. North of Charleston, US 17 crosses the Wando River via the Ben Sawyer Bridge, a swing bridge connecting the mainland to Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island, emphasizing the route's island-hopping character along the coast. The highway remains four lanes as it proceeds through Mount Pleasant and Awendaw, entering Georgetown County. Near Georgetown at approximately mile 140, US 17 splits with its alternate route (US 17 Alt.), which provides a more inland parallel path bypassing the city to the west before rejoining farther north. This split accommodates local traffic while maintaining the mainline's focus on coastal access. In Horry County, US 17 serves as a key artery for the Grand Strand tourist region, intersecting U.S. Route 501 at around mile 150 south of Myrtle Beach. This junction, along with high-traffic beach exits such as those at Surfside Beach and Garden City, handles heavy seasonal volumes leading to resorts and attractions. The route briefly forms a tourist corridor through Myrtle Beach, featuring commercial developments and oceanfront access points. US 17 continues as a four-lane divided highway through North Myrtle Beach, crossing the Little River Inlet via the Cherry Grove Pier area, before reaching the North Carolina state line at mile 221 near Little River.

North Carolina

U.S. Route 17 enters from near in Brunswick County as a four-lane divided highway, providing primary access to coastal communities and beaches along the southern shore. The route parallels the Atlantic coast inland, traversing rural areas and small towns before reaching the port city of Wilmington, where it intersects major routes like US 74, US 76, and I-140, facilitating connections to the broader interstate system via I-40. North of Wilmington, US 17 continues through and Pender County as a divided , then joins a concurrency with NC 24 and US 258 on the Jacksonville Bypass, a controlled-access segment that skirts the city of Jacksonville and offers key access points to via gates along NC 24, including the Main Gate and Visitor Center off Wilson Boulevard. This bypass improves traffic flow for military personnel and regional commuters while avoiding downtown congestion. The route then diverges northeast toward the , passing through rural Onslow and Jones Counties.) In Craven County, US 17 reaches New Bern, where it joins a brief concurrency with US 70 and NC 55 on the New Bern Transportation Corridor Bypass, crossing the Trent and Neuse Rivers via a series of high-level fixed bridges that replaced older drawbridges prone to openings for maritime traffic; this infrastructure, completed in 1999, spans nearly 2 miles and enhances connectivity to the region without interruptions from bridge lifts. Beyond New Bern, the highway proceeds through Washington and Beaufort County as a two- to four-lane road, serving agricultural areas and small towns like Chocowinity and Pinetops. Further north in Martin and Bertie Counties, US 17 passes Williamston and intersects US 13, providing an inland connector to I-95, before reaching Edenton in Chowan County, where it crosses the Chowan River on a continuous steel linking Merry Hill to the historic waterfront. The route then enters Pasquotank County, concurring briefly with US 158 through Elizabeth City, a key hub for northeastern commerce and the . US 17 concludes its 284-mile traversal of the state near South Mills in Camden County, exiting into amid the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The eastern sections remain vulnerable to flooding from coastal storms and hurricanes, impacting travel reliability.

Significant Junctions

LocationMile (approx.)JunctionNotes
0SC state lineEntry point from ; four-lane divided highway begins.
Wilmington20US 17 Bus. split; I-140Business route through downtown; I-140 provides western bypass to I-40.
Jacksonville45NC 24/US 258 concurrency beginsJacksonville Bypass; access to Camp Lejeune gates.
Wallace area50Proximity to I-40 via US 117Indirect connection through parallel routes; no direct interchange.
New Bern100US 70/NC 55 concurrencyNew Bern Bypass; crossing.
Williamston180US 13Inland connector to I-95.
Edenton250Chowan River BridgeCrossing into Chowan County; no service on main route.
Elizabeth City270US 158 concurrencyBrief overlap through city center.
South Mills286VA state lineExit into near .

Virginia

U.S. Route 17 enters from at the state line in Chesapeake and extends 255 miles northward to its terminus in , traversing the metropolitan area, the Tidewater region's rural landscapes, and northern 's rolling terrain. In the southern portion, the highway navigates high-density urban environments around with significant commuter traffic, featuring key crossings over and the . Northward, it transitions through and counties with bridge crossings and limited-access interchanges, before paralleling I-95 through Fredericksburg and entering more rural settings with at-grade intersections in Fauquier and Warren counties. The route includes several high-volume interchanges in the area, serving as vital links for regional travel, while the Coleman Bridge over the York River imposes a northbound toll for . Further north, near Richmond and Fredericksburg, US 17 connects to major east-west and north-south corridors, facilitating freight and commuter movement. In its final stretch, the highway approaches amid proximity to toll facilities such as the Dulles Greenway, which lies to the west in Loudoun County. Major junctions along US 17 in Virginia are summarized in the following table, with mile markers measured from the North Carolina state line:
MileLocationJunctionNotes
0.00ChesapeakeNC state lineEntry into Virginia; continuation from North Carolina.
20.91Hampton/NorfolkI-64 (Exit 296)Access to Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel; high-volume urban interchange.
32.87Newport NewsI-664 (Exit 9)Connection to Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel; commuter route.
55.28GloucesterI-64 (Exit 258)Interchange serving Yorktown and Williamsburg areas.
122.67Tappahannock areaUS 360Link to Richmond; east-west arterial.
172.46FredericksburgI-95 SB / US 1 (Exit 126)Southern I-95 access; major north-south corridor parallel.
179.19FalmouthI-95 NB (Exit 133)Northern I-95 interchange; high commuter volume.
255.09WinchesterUS 11 / US 50 / US 522Northern terminus; concurrency end.
The Coleman Bridge, a double-swing-span structure carrying US 17 across the York River between and Gloucester Point, features a northbound toll and occasional openings for maritime traffic. Rural sections north of Fredericksburg predominantly use at-grade crossings with local roads, contrasting the controlled-access designs in southern urban zones.

History

Designation and early development

U.S. Route 17 was established in 1926 as part of the initial U.S. Numbered Highways system, approved by the American Association of State Highway Officials on November 11, 1926. The original alignment ran approximately 750 miles from , northward through Georgia, , , and into to Fredericksburg. In 1934, the southern terminus was extended to , incorporating additional existing roads through . The route's early path largely followed pre-existing state and colonial roadways to connect coastal communities. In Georgia, US 17 overlaid State Route 25, a highway designated at least as early as 1919 to link eastern communities along the Atlantic seaboard. In , it incorporated segments of the historic Kings Highway, a colonial post road built between 1739 and 1750 that originally stretched from Charleston northward to connect British colonies. Portions in and traced similar colonial trails, such as extensions of the Kings Highway network, facilitating early overland travel parallel to the shore. Pre-interstate developments in the and focused on improving connectivity and safety for growing vehicular traffic. In , paving efforts began in 1927 with bridge constructions over coastal inlets, achieving full pavement of the route by 1940 to support regional commerce. Key infrastructure included bridges over major rivers, such as the 1927 St. Marys River crossing in Georgia and the 1930 bridge, which replaced ferries and enhanced north-south flow. Designated as the Coastal Highway, US 17 promoted and along the Atlantic seaboard, serving as a primary artery until the rise of Interstate 95 in the mid-20th century.

Florida

The establishment of US 17 in coincided with the 1926 numbering system, initially terminating at Jacksonville. The route followed existing state roads through , including segments of the earlier system. In 1934, AASHO approved the extension southward to Punta Gorda, adding approximately 450 miles and incorporating rural roads that connected agricultural areas and small towns like Arcadia and Wauchula. Paving and widening efforts accelerated in under federal aid programs, with major improvements including the relocation of alignments around growing cities like DeLand and Sanford to bypass congested downtowns. By the 1950s, US 17 served as a key evacuation route during hurricanes, a role that continues today, and saw realignments to parallel the developing corridor near Orlando.

Georgia

In Georgia, US 17 was assigned in 1926 over the existing State Route 25, which had been designated by to connect coastal ports like Brunswick and Savannah. Construction of the paved highway began in 1924, with completion celebrated in 1927 at Midway, marking the full connection from to . Early developments included the building of swing bridges over rivers like the Altamaha and Ogeechee to replace ferries, facilitating truck traffic to the . During the 1930s, the route was incorporated into the Ocean Highway promotion to boost , leading to scenic enhancements and motels along the corridor. Post-WWII, minor realignments occurred around Brunswick in the 1950s to improve access to the Golden Isles, while the over the opened in 1991, modernizing the northern crossing.

South Carolina

US 17 in traces its origins to the Kings Highway, a colonial road improved in the early . Designated in , the route initially used two-lane paths through the Lowcountry, with straightening and paving starting in , including bridges over inlets like those at Beaufort and Charleston. By 1931, extensions and reroutings avoided private lands, such as around John T. Woodside's preserve near Green Pond. The route achieved full pavement by 1940, supporting wartime logistics and post-war tourism to the Grand Strand. Key 20th-century projects included the construction of the Ben Sawyer Bridge in 1957 over the Wando River and the in 2005, replacing the obsolete John P. Grace Memorial Bridge and improving capacity for coastal traffic. US 17 also played a critical role in hurricane evacuations, with bypasses around Myrtle Beach completed in the 1970s to alleviate seasonal congestion.

North Carolina

Established in 1926, US 17 in followed pre-existing state highways like NC 341 and parts of the Coastal Highway, connecting from the South Carolina line near to via Wilmington and Elizabeth City. Early improvements in the included paving segments through Brunswick and New Hanover counties to link tobacco and economies. The route saw significant upgrades in the 1930s with federal projects, building bridges over the Cape Fear and Neuse Rivers to eliminate ferries. In 1999, the New Bern Bypass and high-level bridges over the Trent and Neuse Rivers were completed, replacing drawbridges that had caused delays for maritime traffic. During the mid-20th century, US 17 served as a primary north-south artery before I-95, with the Jacksonville Bypass constructed in the 1980s to divert traffic from Camp Lejeune. The route has been vulnerable to , prompting resiliency projects as of 2020s.

Significant Junctions

No historical "Significant Junctions" subsection is warranted here, as major historical developments are covered in state subsections. Current junction details belong in the Route description section.

Virginia

US 17 entered Virginia in 1926 from North Carolina, terminating at Fredericksburg along alignments that paralleled colonial trails like the Three Notched Road. The route initially relied on ferries across Hampton Roads, replaced by the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in 1957 and subsequent expansions. In the Tidewater region, the George Washington Memorial Highway designation in the 1930s promoted the corridor, leading to four-laning by the 1960s. Key historical infrastructure includes the Coleman Bridge over the York River, originally built in 1952 as a swing span and tolled since, with a 1996 replacement enhancing capacity. North of Fredericksburg, realignments in the 1970s improved connections to I-95, while the northern extension to Winchester in 1932 incorporated rural turnpikes. US 17 has been integral to military logistics for Hampton Roads ports and evacuation during storms.

Special routes

A total of at least 32 special routes of U.S. Route 17 have existed, primarily , alternate, , and designations to serve local traffic, bypass urban areas, or accommodate heavy vehicles. Current routes are concentrated in (3), (6), (17), and (6), with none active in Georgia as of 2025.

Florida

Three special routes of US 17 exist in , all routes or alternates designed for local and freight access.
  • US 17 Truck (Kissimmee): A short route avoiding Kissimmee congestion, approximately 4 miles long, cosigned with roads. Decommissioned portions noted in older logs, but active for freight as of 2023.
  • US 17 Truck (Winter Park–Maitland): A 6-mile bypass around urban areas between Winter Park and Maitland, facilitating access to I-4 without city center traversal. Maintained by FDOT for commercial traffic.
  • US 17 Alternate (Jacksonville): An alternate route through western Jacksonville, about 10 miles, providing an inland parallel to the mainline near I-295. Used for connectivity.

South Carolina

Six special routes serve , including alternates and business loops for coastal tourism and port access.
  • US 17 Alternate: A 123.9-mile (199.4 km) inland alternate from Pocotaligo to Georgetown, bypassing coastal lowlands and serving rural areas. Designated in the 1950s for flood-prone avoidance.
  • US 17 Business (Myrtle Beach–Murrells Inlet): An 18-mile route through Myrtle Beach's , handling tourist traffic with oceanfront access. Improvements ongoing as of 2025 for intersections.
  • Other routes include shorter loops in Hardeeville, Walterboro, and Ridgeland, totaling under 10 miles each, for access.

North Carolina

North Carolina has the most special routes (17), mostly business routes in coastal towns for historic districts and military bases.
RouteLocationLength (miles)Notes
US 17 BusinessWilmington8.1Loops through downtown, serving port and USS North Carolina; cosigned with US 76 Bus.
US 17 BypassJacksonville15.0Bypasses city center, concurrent with NC 24/NC 53; access to Camp Lejeune. Completed 2010s.
US 17 BusinessNew Bern5.2Through historic district, concurrent with US 70 Bus.; bridges over rivers.
US 17 AlternateWindsor12.0Former bypass, now serving local traffic; rural focus.
Others (e.g., Bus. in Elizabeth City, Chocowinity)Various2–10 each13 additional short business/truck routes for small towns and beaches. Total special mileage ~150 miles.

Virginia

Six special routes in Virginia provide business access in Hampton Roads and northern areas.
  • US 17 Business (Gloucester): A 7-mile loop through Courthouse, avoiding mainline for local commerce.
  • US 17 Business (Falmouth–Fredericksburg): Approximately 10 miles, serving historic Falmouth and connecting to I-95. Studies for improvements as of 2025.
  • Other routes include business designations in Chesapeake, Yorktown, and Tappahannock (4–6 miles each), plus a truck route near . Total ~40 miles.

Major junctions

Florida

US Route 17 in Florida intersects several major highways and interstates along its 317-mile course from Punta Gorda to the Georgia state line, with key grade-separated interchanges facilitating connections to the state's interstate system. The following table summarizes significant northbound junctions, including approximate mile markers, concurrent routes where applicable, and notes on interchange types or traffic characteristics based on official state data.
Mile Marker (approx.)JunctionLocationNotes
0US 41Punta GordaSouthern terminus; at-grade intersection serving local traffic in Charlotte County. Daily traffic volume approximately 15,000 vehicles.
10I-75SolanaGrade-separated diamond interchange (I-75 exit 164); connects to central Florida's primary north-south corridor. Bridge over I-75 is a concrete girder structure. Traffic volume around 25,000 vehicles per day.
90US 92 (begins concurrency)Lake AlfredAt-grade intersection marking start of 99-mile overlap with US 92 through central Florida; moderate traffic (about 20,000 AADT).
100Florida's Turnpike / I-4Near Haines CityGrade-separated partial cloverleaf (I-4 exit 80); concurrent with US 92 and US 441; high-volume connector to Orlando metro (over 50,000 AADT on I-4 ramps).
280I-95JacksonvilleGrade-separated interchange (I-95 exit 366); links to Atlantic coast corridor; elevated ramps with concrete construction. Traffic volume exceeds 60,000 vehicles daily in urban section.
290I-10JacksonvilleGrade-separated full cloverleaf interchange; critical east-west connector in congested urban area (AADT over 100,000 on I-10); includes multi-lane flyovers. Urban congestion noted on US 17 approaches.
317Georgia state lineYuleeNorthern terminus in Florida; at-grade continuation into Georgia; Nassau County boundary with lower rural traffic volume (about 18,000 AADT).

Georgia

U.S. Route 17 traverses approximately 124 miles through Georgia, running parallel to the Atlantic coast and serving as a vital link for coastal travel and freight movement to the . The route maintains a full concurrency with State Route 25 () from the state line north to the state line, sharing signage and pavement throughout. This concurrency supports regional connectivity, with US 17/ providing access to key industrial and port facilities along the way. Major junctions along US 17 in Georgia connect the route to interstates and other highways, emphasizing its role in linking coastal communities to broader transportation networks. The following table summarizes principal intersections, with mile markers measured from the Florida state line south of Kingsland.
MileLocationJunctionNotes
10KingslandI-95Interchange facilitating access to , and northern Georgia; high-traffic entry point for coastal travelers.
50BrunswickUS 82 / SR 520Connection to and inland routes; supports tourism and local commerce in the Golden Isles.
80SavannahI-16 / US 25Critical interchange for east-west freight to the ; handles significant truck volumes from .
124Savannah (to )Cable-stayed crossing of the to Hutchinson Island; essential for port-bound cargo and regional trade.
US 17/SR 25 crosses multiple rivers in Georgia, including the Satilla River near Woodbine, the Brunswick River in Brunswick via the , the near Darien, the south of Savannah, and the at the northern terminus. Several of these are drawbridges designed to accommodate maritime navigation, such as swing or bascule spans over the Ogeechee and Back rivers, allowing vessels to pass while maintaining highway continuity. Near the , one of the busiest U.S. container ports, US 17 features high-volume freight interchanges that manage substantial truck traffic. The I-16/US 25 junction at mile 80 and the adjacent I-95 connections support over 50,000 daily vehicle movements, including intermodal freight from rail facilities like Mason Mega Rail, underscoring the route's importance for exporting goods through the port's expanding terminals. Ongoing projects aim to enhance these interchanges to reduce congestion and improve freight efficiency.

South Carolina

U.S. Route 17 enters from Georgia across the in Jasper County, initially as a two-lane undivided highway through rural areas before reaching Hardeeville. There, at approximately mile 20, it intersects Interstate 95 at exit 5, providing a major connection for through traffic along the East Coast. The route then parallels I-95 northward for a short distance, briefly running concurrently with the interstate between Ridgeland and Point South, before diverging to follow a more coastal path through the Lowcountry. Continuing northwest, US 17 reaches Beaufort at roughly mile 50, where it meets U.S. Route 21 at a , serving as a gateway to the historic city and nearby marine bases. The then turns northeast, passing through and crossing the Broad River before entering Beaufort County. In the Charleston metropolitan area, at about mile 100, US 17 connects with Interstate 526 via a east of North Charleston, facilitating access to the port and downtown districts. A highlight in this stretch is the , a cable-stayed structure spanning the Cooper River; US 17 crosses it as a four-lane divided , with interchanges at either end integrating it into the regional network for efficient traffic flow. North of Charleston, US 17 crosses the Wando River via the Ben Sawyer Bridge, a connecting the mainland to Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island, emphasizing the route's island-hopping character along the coast. The highway remains four lanes as it proceeds through Mount Pleasant and Awendaw, entering Georgetown County. Near Georgetown at approximately mile 140, US 17 splits with its alternate route (US 17 Alt.), which provides a more inland parallel path bypassing the city to the west before rejoining farther north. This split accommodates local traffic while maintaining the mainline's focus on coastal access. In Horry County, US 17 serves as a key artery for the Grand Strand tourist region, intersecting U.S. Route 501 at around mile 150 south of Myrtle Beach. This junction, along with high-traffic beach exits such as those at Surfside Beach and Garden City, handles heavy seasonal volumes leading to resorts and attractions. The route briefly forms a tourist corridor through Myrtle Beach, featuring commercial developments and oceanfront access points. US 17 continues as a four-lane divided through North Myrtle Beach, crossing the Little River Inlet via the Cherry Grove Pier area, before reaching the state line at mile 221 near Little River.

North Carolina

U.S. Route 17 enters from near in Brunswick County as a four-lane divided highway, providing primary access to coastal communities and beaches along the southern shore. The route parallels the Atlantic coast inland, traversing rural areas and small towns before reaching the port city of Wilmington, where it intersects major routes like US 74, US 76, and I-140, facilitating connections to the broader interstate system via I-40. North of Wilmington, US 17 continues through and Pender County as a divided highway, then joins a concurrency with NC 24 and US 258 on the Jacksonville Bypass, a controlled-access segment that skirts the city of Jacksonville and offers key access points to via gates along NC 24, including the Main Gate and Visitor Center off Wilson Boulevard. This bypass improves traffic flow for military personnel and regional commuters while avoiding downtown congestion. The route then diverges northeast toward the , passing through rural Onslow and Jones Counties.) In Craven County, US 17 reaches New Bern, where it joins a brief concurrency with US 70 and NC 55 on the New Bern Transportation Corridor Bypass, crossing the Trent and Neuse Rivers via a series of high-level fixed bridges that replaced older drawbridges prone to openings for maritime traffic; this infrastructure, completed in 1999, spans nearly 2 miles and enhances connectivity to the region without interruptions from bridge lifts. Beyond New Bern, the highway proceeds through Washington and Beaufort County as a two- to four-lane road, serving agricultural areas and small towns like Chocowinity and Pinetops. Further north in Martin and Bertie Counties, US 17 passes Williamston and intersects US 13, providing an inland connector to I-95, before reaching Edenton in Chowan County, where it crosses the Chowan River on a continuous steel linking Merry Hill to the historic waterfront. The route then enters Pasquotank County, concurring briefly with US 158 through Elizabeth City, a key hub for northeastern commerce and the . US 17 concludes its 284-mile traversal of the state near South Mills in Camden County, exiting into amid the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The eastern sections remain vulnerable to flooding from coastal storms and hurricanes, impacting travel reliability.

Significant Junctions

LocationMile (approx.)JunctionNotes
0SC state lineEntry point from ; four-lane divided highway begins.
Wilmington20US 17 Bus. split; I-140Business route through downtown; I-140 provides western bypass to I-40.
Jacksonville45NC 24/US 258 concurrency beginsJacksonville Bypass; access to Camp Lejeune gates.
Wallace area50Proximity to I-40 via US 117Indirect connection through parallel routes; no direct interchange.
New Bern100US 70/NC 55 concurrencyNew Bern Bypass; crossing.
Williamston180US 13Inland connector to I-95.
Edenton250Chowan River BridgeCrossing into Chowan County; no service on main route.
Elizabeth City270US 158 concurrencyBrief overlap through city center.
South Mills286VA state lineExit into near .

Virginia

U.S. Route 17 enters from at the state line in Chesapeake and extends 255 miles northward to its terminus in , traversing the metropolitan area, the Tidewater region's rural landscapes, and northern 's rolling terrain. In the southern portion, the highway navigates high-density urban environments around with significant commuter traffic, featuring key crossings over and the . Northward, it transitions through and counties with bridge crossings and limited-access interchanges, before paralleling I-95 through Fredericksburg and entering more rural settings with at-grade intersections in Fauquier and Warren counties. The route includes several high-volume interchanges in the area, serving as vital links for regional travel, while the Coleman Bridge over the York River imposes a northbound toll for . Further north, near Richmond and Fredericksburg, US 17 connects to major east-west and north-south corridors, facilitating freight and commuter movement. In its final stretch, the highway approaches amid proximity to toll facilities such as the Dulles Greenway, which lies to the west in Loudoun County. Major junctions along US 17 in Virginia are summarized in the following table, with mile markers measured from the North Carolina state line:
MileLocationJunctionNotes
0.00ChesapeakeNC state lineEntry into Virginia; continuation from North Carolina.
20.91Hampton/NorfolkI-64 (Exit 296)Access to Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel; high-volume urban interchange.
32.87Newport NewsI-664 (Exit 9)Connection to Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel; commuter route.
55.28GloucesterI-64 (Exit 258)Interchange serving Yorktown and Williamsburg areas.
122.67Tappahannock areaUS 360Link to Richmond; east-west arterial.
172.46FredericksburgI-95 SB / US 1 (Exit 126)Southern I-95 access; major north-south corridor parallel.
179.19FalmouthI-95 NB (Exit 133)Northern I-95 interchange; high commuter volume.
255.09WinchesterUS 11 / US 50 / US 522Northern terminus; concurrency end.
The Coleman Bridge, a double-swing-span structure carrying US 17 across the York River between and Gloucester Point, features a northbound toll and occasional openings for maritime . Rural sections north of Fredericksburg predominantly use at-grade crossings with local roads, contrasting the controlled-access designs in southern urban zones.

References

  1. https://www.usends.com/17.html
  2. https://www.visittheusa.com/trip/coastal-highway-route-17
  3. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/numbers.cfm
  4. https://www.fdot.gov/traffic/trafficservices/exitnumb/i-75.shtm
  5. https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/statistics/mileage-rpts/interchange_2025.pdf?sfvrsn=9cc3e80b_1
  6. https://www.fdot.gov/traffic/trafficservices/exitnumb/i-4.shtm
  7. https://www.fdot.gov/traffic/trafficservices/exitnumb/i-95.shtm
  8. https://www.fdot.gov/docs/default-source/statistics/fedaid/fedaidrpt.pdf
  9. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/ga-025
  10. https://www.dot.ga.gov/InvestSmart/GRIP/Facts/US1SR17FactSheet.pdf
  11. https://www.dot.ga.gov/DriveSmart/MapsData/Documents/StripMaps_Exits/I-95.pdf
  12. https://www.dot.ga.gov/systems/ProjectDocuments/Studies/SavannahRiverCrossingImprovement/PI_0017183_SRC_Factsheet.pdf
  13. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/21/2021-10739/drawbridge-operation-regulation-savannah-river-savannah-ga
  14. https://gaports.com/press-releases/savannah-fastest-growing-port-on-u-s-east-coast/
  15. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-017-north-hardeeville-sc
  16. https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/highway-17/
  17. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-017-sc
  18. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-017-north-brunswick-nc
  19. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-17-hampstead-bypass/Pages/default.aspx
  20. https://www.lejeune.marines.mil/Base-Access/
  21. https://www.newbernsj.com/news/local/neuse-river-bridge-a-once-in-a-lifetime-project/article_d13e383e-bcb2-5791-99ee-339176844c94.html
  22. https://stvinc.com/project/neuse-river-bridge-replacement/
  23. https://www.yelp.com/biz/chowan-river-bridge-merry-hill
  24. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-017-north-elizabeth-city-nc
  25. http://www.vahighways.com/ncannex/route-log/us017.html
  26. https://malmeroads.net/ncfutints/fut140.html
  27. http://www.vahighways.com/route-log/us017.htm
  28. https://www.tollroadsinvirginia.com/Facility/ColemanBridge/
  29. https://www.dullesgreenway.com/
  30. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/general-highway-history/names-numbers-origins-us-numbered-highway-system
  31. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/us-017-fl
  32. https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/kings-highway/
  33. https://www.carolana.com/SC/Royal_Colony/the_kings_highway.html
  34. https://www.libertyhistory.net/completion-of-us-highway-17-1923-1927/
  35. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/not4f.cfm
  36. https://www.fdot.gov/history
  37. https://www.scdot.org/history.aspx
  38. https://www.ncdot.gov/about-us/our-history
  39. https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/about-vdot/history/
  40. https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/List_of_special_routes_of_the_United_States_Numbered_Highway_System
  41. https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/U.S._Route_17_Truck_%28Kissimmee%2C_Florida%29
  42. https://www.fdot.gov/roadway/design/controlledaccess/us17truck.shtm
  43. https://www.fdot.gov/planning/systems/sm/los/vol1/ch4/4_17.shtm
  44. https://www.scdot.org/business/financing/tools/roadway-design/US17Alt.aspx
  45. https://scdot-environmental-project-site-scdot.hub.arcgis.com/pages/us-17-business-intersection-improvement-in-horry-county
  46. https://www.scdot.org/projects/current-projects.html
  47. https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/special-plates/Pages/business.aspx
  48. https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/new-bern-bypass/
  49. https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/highway-information/Pages/us-routes.aspx
  50. https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/fredericksburg-district/route-17-widening-in-gloucester/
  51. https://vdot.virginia.gov/projects/fredericksburg-district/route-3-and-route-17-business-corridor-studies/
  52. https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/projects/hampton-roads/route-17-george-washington-memorial-highway-/Design-Public-Hearing---Route-17-Widening-between-Route-630-and-Route-173---York-County_acc12282023_PM.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.