Route History for US 5 in Massachusetts

• In 1926, the route US 5 now follows was numbered as NE 2. The route was paved, and followed US 5's current path, except around South Deerfield and Springfield. In South Deerfield, NE 2 followed what is now North Main St. and Elm St. Through Springfield, NE 2 followed what is now West St., Plainfield St., Main St., and Columbus Ave.
• By 1928, NE 2 had been renumbered US 5.
• Between 1930 and 1951, US 5 was rerouted to its current path around South Deerfield. US 5 was also widened to 4 lanes through West Springfield, and rerouted to Columbus Ave. through Springfield.
• By 1961, I 91 was completed between the Vermont state line and Bernardston, and between Springfield and the Connecticut state line, replacing US 5 as a major through route in these areas.
• By 1963, US 5 was rerouted and widened through West Springfield, following the same route it does today in southern Massachusetts.
• By 1968, I 91 was completed except between Holyoke and Springfield, replacing US 5 as a major through route in most of Massachusetts.
• By 1969, only a small section of I 91 in Springfield remained unfinished.
• Between 1970 and 1973, I 91 was completed in Massachusetts, replacing US 5 as a major through route.

Key to Abbreviations for Route Numbers:

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

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