The Southern State Parkway famously begins its numbering sequence at Exit 13 due to a historical numbering convention designed to align with a preceding major parkway. This unique starting point is a direct result of how New York's highway exits were originally configured.
Historical Context of Exit Numbering
Historically, the numbering system for the Southern State Parkway was established to co-align with the Cross Island Parkway. Before the renumbering of exits on various New York highways to match systems like the Belt Parkway, the Cross Island Parkway's exits were numbered consecutively from 1 to 12.
To maintain a logical and continuous flow of exit numbers for drivers transitioning between these key routes, the Southern State Parkway's numbering began precisely where the Cross Island Parkway's numbering concluded. Therefore, its first interchange was designated as Exit 13, creating a seamless progression for motorists.
This approach ensured that a driver traveling south on the Cross Island Parkway and then continuing east onto the Southern State Parkway would experience an uninterrupted sequence of exit numbers.
| Parkway Name | Original Exit Range | Current Role (Relevant to Historic Numbering) |
|---|---|---|
| Cross Island Parkway | 1–12 | Preceded Southern State Parkway's numbering |
| Southern State Parkway | 13–Up | Followed Cross Island Parkway's numbering |
This historical alignment strategy highlights the thoughtful planning behind early parkway systems, aiming to enhance user navigation during a time when GPS was nonexistent and clear signage was paramount. While many New York highway exits have since been renumbered—often to align with mileage-based systems or other major routes—the Southern State Parkway retains its distinctive starting point at Exit 13 as a legacy of this initial design.
