Interstate 90 (Massachusetts)

Interstate 90 (Massachusetts)
Public domain · source
Country	USA
State	MA
Route	90
Length mi	135.72
Length km	218.43
Established	1957
Direction a	West
Terminus a	New York State Thruway at the New York-Massachusetts line
Direction b	East
Terminus b	Logan International Airport in Boston

Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) is a part of the United States Numbered Highway System and spans approximately 135 miles, connecting New York City and Boston. The highway passes through the Berkshire Mountains and the Pioneer Valley, providing access to major cities like Springfield and Worcester. As a vital transportation artery, Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) intersects with several major highways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate 84, and Interstate 91. The highway is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and is a key route for Federal Highway Administration-funded projects.

● Route Description

The route of Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) begins at the New York-Massachusetts border, where it connects to the New York State Thruway and continues east through the Berkshire Mountains, passing near Pittsfield and Lenox. The highway then enters the Pioneer Valley and passes through Springfield, where it intersects with Interstate 91 and US-20. As it approaches Worcester, the highway intersects with Interstate 190 and US-20, providing access to Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The highway continues east, passing through the MetroWest region and intersecting with Interstate 495 and US-3 near Marlborough and Framingham.

● History

The construction of Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) began in the late 1950s, with the first segment opening in 1957 between West Stockbridge and Lee. The highway was built as part of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which provided funding for the construction of the Interstate Highway System. The project involved the collaboration of several government agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The highway was designed to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation in the region, and its construction had a significant impact on the local economy, with businesses like General Electric and Raytheon Technologies benefiting from the improved infrastructure.

● Exit List

The exit list for Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) includes several major interchanges, such as exit 1, which connects to the New York State Thruway and Interstate 87 near Albany; exit 2, which connects to US-20 and MA-102 near West Stockbridge; and exit 3, which connects to MA-22 and MA-183 near Lenox. Other notable exits include exit 4, which connects to MA-7 and MA-20 near Pittsfield; exit 5, which connects to Interstate 91 and US-20 near Springfield; and exit 6, which connects to Interstate 190 and US-20 near Worcester. The highway also passes near several institutions, including Williams College, Amherst College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

● Major Intersections

Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) intersects with several major highways, including Interstate 91 near Springfield, Interstate 190 near Worcester, and Interstate 495 near Marlborough. The highway also intersects with several United States Numbered Highways, including US-20 near Pittsfield and US-3 near Framingham. Additionally, the highway passes near several major cities, including Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, and provides access to several notable landmarks, including Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on Interstate 90 (Massachusetts) varies by location, with the highest volumes typically occurring near major interchanges and urban areas. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, the average daily traffic volume on the highway ranges from approximately 30,000 vehicles per day near the New York-Massachusetts border to over 150,000 vehicles per day near Boston. The highway is also a major route for trucking and freight transportation, with several major logistics companies, including FedEx and UPS, operating in the region. The highway's traffic volume is also influenced by several major events, including Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Patriots games at Gillette Stadium.