Route 16 (Massachusetts)

Route 16 (Massachusetts). Route 16 is a 40.00-mile (64.37 km) east–west state highway in the Greater Boston area, connecting the urban core to several key northern suburbs. Its western terminus is at a complex junction with Route 30 and Interstate 90 in Newton Corner, and it extends eastward to its terminus at Route 1A in Revere, near the Atlantic Ocean. The route serves as a primary arterial through numerous communities, including Wellesley, Medford, and Everett, and is a vital commercial and commuter corridor.

Route description

Beginning in Newton Corner, the route heads east as Commonwealth Avenue before a brief concurrency with Route 30 through Newton. It then proceeds independently northeast through Wellesley and Wayland, where it crosses the Sudbury River. Continuing into Medford, it follows High Street and Fellsway, passing near historic sites like the Isaac Royall House. The route traverses the Mystic River into Everett, running along Broadway before entering Revere. Its final segment runs concurrent with Route 1A along Broadway and Ocean Avenue, terminating near Revere Beach.

History

The alignment of Route 16 follows several historic turnpikes and town roads established in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the early 20th century, these roads were incorporated into the New England road marking system before being assigned the Route 16 designation with the creation of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works numbering system in the 1930s. Significant modifications occurred in the mid-20th century, including realignments in Medford to accommodate the construction of Interstate 93 and the Mystic Valley Parkway. The route's path through Revere was also altered with the development of the Shirley Avenue neighborhood and infrastructure projects led by the Metropolitan District Commission.

Major intersections

From west to east, Route 16 intersects numerous major highways and arterial roads. Key junctions include its western terminus with Route 30 and Interstate 90 in Newton Corner. In Wellesley, it meets Route 9 and Route 135. It crosses Route 2 in Cambridge near the Alewife station area. In Medford, it has interchanges with Interstate 93 and Route 28. The route runs concurrently with Route 38 through part of Somerville and meets Route 99 in Everett. Its eastern terminus is at Route 1A in Revere, just south of the Wonderland station.

See also

* Massachusetts Route 16A * Massachusetts Department of Transportation * List of state highways in Massachusetts * U.S. Route 1 in Massachusetts * Metropolitan Highway System

Category:State highways in Massachusetts