Highway 2

Historic Highway 2 which parallels the Empire Builder's route most of the way between Everett, Washington, and Grand Forks, North Dakota. That’s a distance of over 1400 miles. Highway 2 is the northernmost transcontinental highway in the US. So when you look out the window and see a highway paralleling the train track, it’s most likely Highway 2.

Also known as US 2, the highway offers views of a diverse landscape. Starting from sea level in Seattle, it climbs over the Cascade Range, then passes through the arid Columbia Plateau. It traverses Idaho before reaching the forested beauty of western Montana and Glacier National Park. In 1926, the precursor to US 2 was designated Washington 6. Over time, sections were improved and paved, with various realignments. By 1950, the entire route in Washington was paved. Realignment continued, with the route reaching its current configuration by 1980, including bypassing Snohomish. These changes reflect the evolution of transportation infrastructure in the region over several decades.

1. History of US 2 in Washington. (n.d.). http://www.roadandrailpictures.com/hist2wa.htm
2. ROAD TRIP USA. (2021, October 18). US Highway 2 Road Trip – The Great Northern | ROAD TRIP USA. https://www.roadtripusa.com/the-great-northern/