Retrospective: Icons & Oddities Along Jersey’s Route 22

As a kid sitting in the back of my parents’ 66 Chrysler Town and Country wagon going from Westfield to the Pocono Mountains, the only route available was Route 22. My brother, sister and I would often sit in the back daydreaming, and as I gazed out the window, my mind would wander. Looking back on those memories, I recall the various stops and businesses we passed by along the way, some of which don’t exist anymore.

Route 22 History

Route 22 in New Jersey has a rich history, spanning centuries of development and change over the decades. Initially, 22 was part of the Lenape Native American trail system, traversed by indigenous peoples for trade and travel. With the arrival of European settlers, this trail evolved into a vital artery for commerce and transportation. In the 18th century, the road became known as the “Old York Road,” connecting the colonial settlements of New York and Pennsylvania. This route was crucial during the American Revolutionary War, as troops and supplies moved along it.

In New Jersey, the route runs for 60.53 miles from the Easton–Phillipsburg Toll Bridge over the Delaware River in Phillipsburg, Warren County, to Interstate 78 (I-78), US 1/9, and Route 21 at the Newark Airport Interchange in Newark, Essex County. The entire length of 22 runs from Cincinnati, Ohio, at US 27, US 42, US 127, and US 52 to Newark, New Jersey.

By the early 20th century, the automobile age had arrived, and the need for improved roads became apparent. In 1927, the New Jersey State Highway Department designated the Old York Road as Route 29. Over time, as traffic increased and urbanization spread, the road underwent expansions and improvements. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Route 29 was incorporated into the emerging U.S. Highway System as U.S. Route 22 (US 22), connecting Newark and Phillipsburg. Completing the Newark Bay Extension in the 1950s facilitated smoother travel between Newark and Jersey City.

Route 22 Icons

Along Route 22 in New Jersey, especially in its earlier days, various types of businesses established themselves catering to cater to the needs of travelers, commuters, and residents. Some of the earliest businesses along Route 22 included Inns and taverns, auto repair shops, farm stands, service stations, diners, drive-ins, motels, and motor lodges. To attract travelers, businesses often create unique marquees and storefronts to attract customers. Let’s see how many you remember.

The Old Route 22 Diner Trail

We’ve tried to remember them all. 30 diners and growing! Keep writing us!
There’s a few we just can’t remember. Maybe you know? Tell Us in the comments below.

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The Route 22 Jersey Photobook –
Click on any image to start the Route 22 historic slideshow.
How many do you remember?

These businesses formed the early commercial landscape along Route 22, catering to the needs of travelers and locals alike. Over time, as the road evolved and urbanized, the types of businesses along Route 22 diversified to include a wide range of retail, dining, and service establishments. Oh, and it also became a visual death trap as what became known as “the island” in Union gave you not just businesses on two sides but businesses on four sides, complete with neon signs, random entrances/exits, and so many lanes that 22 earned itself a nickname, “the suicide highway.”

This Video Sums It Up….

Not many roads have their highway song…..yes you can get your kicks on Route 66, but “Drive True on Route 22, or it’ll wreck you!”

Route 78 Opens, and Route 22 Changes

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Route 22 underwent numerous upgrades to accommodate the growing traffic volume. The construction of interchanges, widening of lanes, and implementation of traffic management systems were among the improvements made to enhance safety and efficiency. Route 22 remains a vital corridor in New Jersey, serving as a major east-west route through densely populated areas. It continues to undergo maintenance and upgrades to meet the evolving needs of commuters and travelers, reflecting the ongoing saga of transportation development in the region.

Route 78, also known as the Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway, has a more recent history than Route 22. Planning for Route 78 began in the 1950s as part of the Interstate Highway System. Construction on the highway began in the 1960s and was completed in segments over the following decades. Route 78 provides a direct east-west connection across northern New Jersey, linking Phillipsburg in the west to the Holland Tunnel and New York City in the east. My parents recognized the time savings of driving Route 78, and our classic rides from Westfield to Phillipsburg were over. But we did get a taste when 78 merged into Route 22 at the Key Diner in Pburg. Ah, the memories.

Now You Can Remember ALL Those Route 22 Businesses

Our Mr. Local History artists have been working hard to find original ads, photos, and logos of some of the great retro businesses from the early years along Route 22. Check out the growing collection and customize your keepsakes. Click any art rendering below:

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