1. Pan-American Highway
Spanning over 48,000 kilometers (30,000 miles), the Pan-American Highway is a major north-south route that connects Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, USA to Ushuaia, Argentina. It passes through 14 countries and requires a minimum of $150 million in annual maintenance costs. The highway was initially proposed by Pan American Airways in the 1920s and has undergone numerous upgrades since its inception.
2. Trans-Canada Highway
Covering an extensive distance of approximately 7,821 kilometers (4,860 miles), the Trans-Canada Highway runs from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to St. John's, Newfoundland, crossing 10 provinces and territories along the way. The highway was completed in 1991 and features over 1,300 bridges and tunnels. It is considered one of the most scenic routes in North America.
3. North Yellowhead Highway
Stretching for about 760 kilometers (472 miles), the North Yellowhead Highway connects Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Prince George, British Columbia. The highway passes through the Rocky Mountains and features breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and forests. Built in the 1960s, it was initially constructed with a single-lane road but has been upgraded to accommodate multiple lanes.
4. Alaska Highway
Spanning approximately 1,387 kilometers (861 miles), the Alaska Highway connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada to Delta Junction, Alaska, USA. The highway was built during World War II and took four years to complete due to harsh weather conditions. It passes through several national parks and monuments.
5. Overseas Highway
Covering around 113 kilometers (70 miles), the Overseas Highway connects Key Largo, Florida, USA to Key West, also in Florida. The highway spans over seven bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Built in the 1930s, it has become a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
6. Texas Panhandle Highway
Spanning approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles), the Texas Panhandle Highway runs from Amarillo, Texas, USA to Dalhart, Texas. The highway passes through the Great Plains region and features several national parks and monuments. Built in the early 20th century, it was originally designed for truckers.
7. Yellowhead Highway
Stretching about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles), the Yellowhead Highway connects Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Prince George, British Columbia. The highway passes through Jasper National Park and features stunning mountain vistas. Built in the 1960s, it has undergone numerous upgrades to improve safety.
8. Stelvio Pass
Spanning approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles), the Stelvio Pass is a major Alpine route that connects Merano, Italy to Bormio, also in Italy. The highway features 48 hairpin bends and passes through the Ötztal Alps. Built in 1874, it was designed by King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy.
9. Kancamagus Highway
Stretching about 34 kilometers (21 miles), the Kancamagus Highway connects Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA to Conway, also in New Hampshire. The highway winds through the White Mountain National Forest and features stunning fall foliage views. Built in the 1930s, it was originally designed as a scenic road.
10. Great Northern Highway
Spanning approximately 5,200 kilometers (3,200 miles), the Great Northern Highway runs from Inverness-shire, Scotland to Wick, also in Scotland. The highway passes through several national parks and monuments and features breathtaking views of the Cairngorms. Built in the 1980s, it was designed to improve connectivity between rural communities.