New Jersey Route 17: A Historic Artery Driving Bergen County’s Progress

New Jersey Route 17: The Lifeline of Bergen County

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey Route 17, a critical north-south corridor, weaves through the heart of Bergen County, shaping the region’s transportation network and economic vitality. Far more than just a busy highway, Route 17 is a historic and strategic artery that has grown with the communities it serves—connecting towns, businesses, and thousands of daily commuters across northeastern New Jersey.

From Native Trail to Modern Highway

Route 17 traces its earliest roots to the Haginsack Trail, used by the Lenape people. This ancient path laid the foundation for the Franklin Turnpike, a key 19th-century route established in 1806 that stretched northward from Hackensack to Suffern, NY. These early roads underscore the enduring importance of this corridor long before the automobile era.

The modern Route 17 took shape in the 1920s, pieced together from local roads. Originally known as Route 17N, it was briefly renumbered to Route 2 in 1928 before settling back as NJ Route 17 in 1942—aligning with New York’s Route 17 to form a seamless interstate link.

Route 17’s Golden Era: The “Holiday Highway”

Before the launch of the New York State Thruway in 1956, Route 17 was famed as the “Holiday Highway”, the main thoroughfare for New Yorkers heading to the Catskill Mountains. This nickname reflects its historic role as the go-to escape route for generations of vacationers.

Route 17 Today: A Dynamic Highway

Stretching approximately 27 miles through New Jersey, Route 17 begins in North Arlington as a two-lane road, expanding into a four-to-six-lane divided highway as it advances north. With grade-separated intersections and direct business access points, it walks a fine line between freeway and arterial road.

It cuts diagonally through a diverse lineup of Bergen County towns:

• Lyndhurst & Rutherford – Industrial roots

• Paramus – A commercial powerhouse

• Ridgewood, Waldwick, Ramsey – Suburban sophistication

• Mahwah – The final NJ leg before merging with Interstate 287 and transitioning into NY Route 17

Each town brings unique character and contributes to the highway’s regional importance.

Continuous Upgrades for a Growing Region

With ever-increasing traffic, Route 17 has seen major upgrades. Notable projects include:

• Widening lanes to accommodate higher volumes

• Eliminating at-grade intersections for better safety

• Revamping the Route 4 interchange in Paramus during the late 1990s—addressing a notorious congestion point

These enhancements underscore ongoing efforts to modernize Route 17 while maintaining its core function as a commuter and commerce lifeline.

Conclusion: Route 17—The Past and Future of NJ Travel

Route 17 is more than a road—it’s a legacy. From ancient trail to modern highway, it has adapted alongside New Jersey’s growth. As a crucial commuter route, a hub for retail and commerce, and a connector of diverse communities, New Jersey Route 17 remains a cornerstone of the state’s transportation future.

As traffic demands grow and technology evolves, Route 17 will continue to reflect the region’s progress—while preserving the story of how we got here.

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