Route 135 (Massachusetts)

Route 135 (Massachusetts) is a 19.00-mile (30.58 km) east–west state highway in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts, connecting the city of Framingham with the town of Needham. It serves as a primary local arterial route, passing through the communities of Natick, Wellesley, and Newton, and intersecting with several major highways. The route provides a vital transportation link for residential, commercial, and educational institutions along its corridor.

Route description

Beginning at its western terminus at an intersection with Route 9 and Route 126 in downtown Framingham, Route 135 heads east as Concord Street, passing near the Framingham State University campus. It continues into Natick, where it is known as West Central Street, running parallel to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Framingham/Worcester Line commuter rail and providing access to the Natick Mall. Entering Wellesley, the route becomes Washington Street, passing the grounds of Wellesley College and the Babson College campus. In Newton, it follows Centre Street, intersecting with the major north–south artery of Route 128 (I-95). The highway finally terminates at its eastern junction with Route 16 (Great Plain Avenue) in Needham, near the Charles River.

History

The alignment of modern Route 135 follows a historic pathway that was part of the early colonial road network connecting inland settlements with Boston. Much of its current routing was designated as part of the New England road marking system in the 1920s. Significant modernization occurred in the mid-20th century, particularly with the construction of the Interstate Highway System, which led to the creation of its interchange with Route 128. The route has been the site of various transportation studies by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation aimed at improving traffic flow and safety, especially through the downtown areas of the towns it serves. Its role has evolved from a primary intercity route to a crucial local arterial following the completion of the parallel Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90).

Major intersections

The entire route is in Middlesex and Norfolk counties. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Location ! mi ! km ! Destinations ! Notes |- | Framingham | 0.00 | 0.00 | Route 9 / Route 126 | Western terminus |- | Natick | 2.5 | 4.0 | Speen Street (to I-90 / US 9) | Interchange |- | Wellesley | 6.8 | 10.9 | Route 16 (Great Plain Avenue) | Junction |- | rowspan="2" | Newton | 11.2 | 18.0 | Route 128 (I-95) | Interchange |- | 13.5 | 21.7 | Commonwealth Avenue (Route 30) | Junction |- | Needham | 19.00 | 30.58 | Route 16 (Great Plain Avenue) | Eastern terminus |}

See also

* Massachusetts Route 135 * List of state highways in Massachusetts * Transportation in Massachusetts * MetroWest

Category:State highways in Massachusetts