Old US 9W, Palisades Interstate Park

The old alignment of US 9W through the Palisades. This was the original alignment built along the cliffs as NJSHR 18-N in the 1920s. This would eventually become NJH 1 and later US 9W. The modern, further inland alignment of US 9W was built in the 1930s and initially served as the southbound lanes of US 9W. The old alignment was turned into the northbound lanes of US 9W. It is likely that US 9W was twinned because the alignment through the Palisades became a sightseeing destination thanks to its scenic views. Likewise, US 9W was the main route from New Jersey to Albany, and through traffic needed to be accounted for. This stayed until the Palisades Interstate Parkway was built in 1957, severing the old US 9W from present-day US 9W. Old US 9W was partially converted into an access road to the State Line Lookout, and the rest was converted to a non-motorized trail.

Incredible views of NYC. No wonder why this alignment became clogged back then.

Original concrete pavement just as the access road to the parking area diverges from Old US 9W.

It is clear just how thick the new pavement overlayed over the original concrete is.

Scenic views from Old US 9W at the State Line Lookout.

The cliff faces as seen from Old US 9W.

The original plaque.

Flecks of yellow paint - Is this original yellow centerline?

The highway is lined with original 1920s curb.

Possibly original drainage structures.

Original foundations for lampposts.

More original wire guiderail and curb.

These flecks of white paint could be the faded original centerline.

Fallen wire guiderail.

The northern terminus of Old US 9W at modern US 9W.

Back to current US 9W

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