Delaware’s transportation network includes one Interstate highway, Interstate 95 (I-95), which runs 23 miles through the state, connecting Wilmington and Newark to major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore. The state is also served by four U.S. highways: U.S. Route 13, U.S. Route 40, U.S. Route 113, and U.S. Route 301, providing vital north-south and east-west connections. These highways support Delaware’s economy by facilitating regional trade and daily commuter travel.
Explore the road map of Delaware state of USA showing interstate highways, US highways and other road network.
List of Interstate Highways in Delaware
Interstate Highway
Length (Miles)
Key Cities Connected
Route Description
Key Features
Interstate 95 (I-95)
23
Wilmington, Newark
Runs from the Maryland border in the southwest to the Pennsylvania border in the northeast, passing through Wilmington and Newark.
Major transportation corridor; part of the Northeast Megalopolis; includes the Delaware Turnpike and JFK Memorial Highway.
Interstate 295 (I-295)
4
Wilmington
Serves as a bypass around Wilmington, connecting the Delaware Memorial Bridge to I-95.
Provides access to New Jersey and the Delaware Memorial Bridge; supports regional freight traffic.
Interstate 495 (I-495)
12
Wilmington
Parallel route to I-95, running along the eastern side of Wilmington and bypassing downtown congestion.
Key alternate route for local and through traffic; offers scenic views along the Delaware River.
List of U.S. Highways in Delaware
U.S. Highway
Length (Miles)
Key Cities Connected
Route Description
Key Features
U.S. Route 13 (US 13)
103
Wilmington, Dover, Seaford
Runs north-south through the entire state, from the Maryland border near Delmar to the Pennsylvania border near Claymont.
Primary north-south route; serves as a major commercial corridor; includes the Dupont Highway.
U.S. Route 40 (US 40)
15
Bear, Glasgow
Runs east-west from the Maryland border to US 13 near Wilmington, connecting to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Provides a key connection between Maryland and New Jersey; supports freight and passenger traffic.
U.S. Route 113 (US 113)
74
Milford, Georgetown, Selbyville
Runs parallel to US 13 in southern Delaware, providing an alternate north-south route from Selbyville to Milford.
Important for regional connectivity; serves coastal towns and local traffic.
U.S. Route 301 (US 301)
22
Middletown, Summit Bridge
Runs from the Maryland border near Middletown to a junction with US 13, bypassing Wilmington.
Part of a toll highway; provides a direct route to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and bypasses I-95 congestion.
List of State Highways in Delaware
State Highway
Length (Miles)
Key Cities/Towns Connected
Route Description
Key Features
Delaware Route 1 (DE 1)
103
Wilmington, Dover, Rehoboth Beach
Runs north-south from the Pennsylvania border to Fenwick Island near the Maryland border, providing access to the Delaware beaches.
Primary north-south arterial highway; includes the tolled Dover Bypass; supports tourism and commuter traffic.
Delaware Route 9 (DE 9)
58
New Castle, Dover
Follows a scenic route along the Delaware River from New Castle to the outskirts of Dover.
Known for its scenic byways; connects historic towns and wildlife areas.
Delaware Route 141 (DE 141)
11
Wilmington, Newport
Forms a loop around Wilmington, connecting I-95 and DE 2.
Serves industrial parks and suburban areas; important for local traffic.
Delaware Route 404 (DE 404)
36
Bridgeville, Georgetown
Runs east-west across southern Delaware, connecting Maryland to DE 1 near the coast.
Major route for beachgoers; vital for east-west transportation in Sussex County.
Delaware Route 299 (DE 299)
14
Middletown
Connects US 13 and DE 1 in Middletown.
Provides local access to growing suburban areas and regional highways.
Delaware Route 7 (DE 7)
25
Bear, Christiana
Runs parallel to DE 1, connecting suburban areas in New Castle County.
Important for local traffic; provides access to the Christiana Mall and regional shopping centers.
Delaware's Highway System
Delaware's highway network plays a vital role in regional and national transportation, connecting the state to neighboring regions and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers. The system includes three Interstate highways and four U.S. highways, which together form the backbone of the state's transportation infrastructure. Despite Delaware's small size, its strategic location in the Mid-Atlantic region makes these highways critical for commerce, tourism, and daily commutes.
Interstate Highways in Delaware
1. Interstate 95 (I-95)
Length: 23 miles
Key Cities Connected: Wilmington, Newark
Route Description: I-95 is the most significant interstate in Delaware, running southwest to northeast through New Castle County. It connects the Maryland border to the Pennsylvania border, passing through major urban centers like Wilmington.
Key Features:
Part of the Northeast Corridor, serving as a major route for regional and national traffic.
Includes the tolled section known as the Delaware Turnpike or the JFK Memorial Highway.
Handles significant commercial traffic, with over 100,000 vehicles daily.
2. Interstate 295 (I-295)
Length: 4 miles
Key Cities Connected: Wilmington
Route Description: I-295 provides a bypass around Wilmington, connecting I-95 with the Delaware Memorial Bridge and New Jersey.
Key Features:
Handles regional freight and passenger traffic heading to and from New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area.
Critical for access to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, one of the busiest crossings in the region.
3. Interstate 495 (I-495)
Length: 12 miles
Key Cities Connected: Wilmington
Route Description: I-495 serves as an alternate route to I-95, running parallel along the eastern side of Wilmington and bypassing downtown traffic.
Key Features:
Provides a faster option for through traffic, especially for commercial vehicles.
Scenic route with views of the Delaware River.
U.S. Highways in Delaware
1. U.S. Route 13 (US 13)
Length: 103 miles
Key Cities Connected: Wilmington, Dover, Seaford
Route Description: US 13 runs north-south through the entire state, connecting major cities and towns. It is a vital commercial corridor for local and regional traffic.
Key Features:
Includes the Dupont Highway, historically significant as one of the first paved highways in the U.S.
Serves as an alternate route to DE 1 for non-toll travel.
2. U.S. Route 40 (US 40)
Length: 15 miles
Key Cities Connected: Bear, Glasgow
Route Description: US 40 runs east-west, connecting Maryland to US 13 near Wilmington. It also links to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Key Features:
Supports both freight and commuter traffic.
Key route for travelers heading to the New Jersey Turnpike and beyond.
Route Description: US 113 runs parallel to US 13 in southern Delaware, serving as an alternative north-south route for local traffic.
Key Features:
Essential for connecting coastal communities and rural areas.
Supports tourism to Delaware’s beaches and coastal attractions.
4. U.S. Route 301 (US 301)
Length: 22 miles
Key Cities Connected: Middletown, Summit Bridge
Route Description: US 301 is a toll highway that runs from the Maryland border to its junction with US 13, bypassing Wilmington.
Key Features:
Provides a direct route to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Helps reduce congestion on I-95 and US 13.
Importance of Delaware's Highway Network
Delaware’s highway system is a critical link in the Mid-Atlantic region, connecting major economic hubs such as New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. The combination of Interstate and U.S. highways supports:
Freight Transport: Over 70% of goods in Delaware are transported via highways.
Commuter Traffic: Thousands of daily commuters rely on these highways for work and travel.
Tourism: Highways like DE 1 and US 113 provide vital access to Delaware's beaches and historical sites.
