Question 1

What is the longest highway in the world?

Accepted Answer

The Pan-American Highway network is the longest motorable route, about 30,000 km from Alaska to Chile. Among single national routes, Highway 1 in Australia loops 14,500 km around the continent and the Trans-Canada Highway runs 7,821 km coast to coast.

Question 2

Can you drive the entire Pan-American Highway?

Accepted Answer

Almost. The only break is the Darien Gap, roughly 100 km of roadless jungle between Panama and Colombia. Travelers ship their vehicles between Colon, Panama and Cartagena, Colombia by cargo boat or roll on ferry to complete the journey.

Question 3

Why is Route 66 so famous?

Accepted Answer

Route 66 ran from Chicago to Santa Monica between 1926 and 1985 and carried Dust Bowl migrants, postwar families and the road trip dream. Songs, a TV show and decommissioning nostalgia made it the most famous road in the world even after the signs came down.

Question 4

What was the first motorway in the world?

Accepted Answer

Italy opened the first purpose built motorway, the Milan to Lakes autostrada, in 1924. The AVUS in Berlin dates to 1921 but was an experimental race circuit. The United States scaled the concept with the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1940 and the Interstate System from 1956.

Question 5

What is the highest paved road pass?

Accepted Answer

The Umling La in Ladakh, India, reaches about 5,798 m on a military road. Among famous tourist passes, Khardung La is signed 5,602 m though surveys put it near 5,359 m, and the Stelvio tops the Eastern Alps at 2,757 m.

Question 6

What is the difference between a highway and a motorway?

Accepted Answer

A motorway is a highway with full control of access, divided carriageways and no intersections or property access. Highway is the broader term covering any main public road, including scenic two lane routes like the Pacific Coast Highway.

Route 66 and the Making of the Mother Road