Route History for US 3 in Massachusetts

• In 1926, the route US 3 now follows was numbered NE 6. NE 6 followed what is now MA 3A between the New Hampshire state line and Burlington. The road surface was paved in Massachusetts at this time.
• By 1928, the route had been renumbered US 3.
• Between 1951 and 1961, US 3 was realigned to its current path between Tyngsboro and Burlington, and widened to a four lane limited access highway. In addition, I 93 was completed between Reading and Medford, replacing US 3 as a major through route in this area.
• Between 1963 and 1969, was realigned to its current path between the New Hampshire state line and Burlington. In addition, I 93 was completed between Reading and Somerville, replacing US 3 as a major through route in this area.
• Between 1970 and 1973, I 93 was completed between Somerville and Boston, replacing US 3 as a major through route in this area.

Key to Abbreviations for Route Numbers:

• US - US Highway
• NE - New England Interstate Highway (Pre-dates US highway system)
• MA - Massachusetts State Highway
• I - Interstate Highway (Eisenhower Interstate System)

External websites of interest:

• An historic photo of Boston Traffic on US 3.

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