**Interstate 395 (Connecticut–Massachusetts)**
**Definition:**
Interstate 395 (I-395) is a north–south auxiliary Interstate Highway running through eastern Connecticut and central Massachusetts, serving as a major regional connector between the Hartford metropolitan area and the Worcester region.
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## Interstate 395 (Connecticut–Massachusetts)
Interstate 395 (I-395) is a 67.17-mile (108.06 km) north–south auxiliary Interstate Highway in the U.S. states of Connecticut and Massachusetts. It functions as a key transportation corridor in eastern Connecticut and central Massachusetts, linking the Hartford metropolitan area with the Worcester region and providing access to several smaller cities and towns along its route. The highway facilitates regional commerce, commuter traffic, and serves as an alternative to the often-congested Interstate 91 corridor.
### Route Description
#### Connecticut Segment
I-395 begins in the city of East Lyme, Connecticut, at an interchange with Interstate 95 (I-95), near the Long Island Sound coast. From this southern terminus, the highway proceeds northward through the eastern part of the state, passing through or near several towns including Montville, Norwich, Plainfield, and Killingly. The route serves as a major artery for eastern Connecticut, providing access to suburban and rural communities.
The highway is predominantly a four-lane freeway with occasional expansions to six lanes near urbanized areas. It intersects several important state routes and U.S. highways, including Route 2 in Norwich, which provides connections to Hartford and the central part of the state. I-395 also crosses the Quinebaug River and the Shetucket River, two significant waterways in the region.
#### Massachusetts Segment
Upon crossing the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line near the town of Webster, I-395 continues northward into Massachusetts, passing through the towns of Dudley and Auburn before terminating in the city of Auburn. The northern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike), a major east-west toll highway connecting Boston to the western part of the state.
In Massachusetts, I-395 serves as a critical link for commuters traveling to Worcester and the greater Boston area. The highway is a four-lane freeway throughout its Massachusetts length and provides access to local roads and commercial centers.
### History
The origins of I-395 trace back to the mid-20th century when the Interstate Highway System was being developed to improve regional connectivity and support economic growth. Initially, the route was designated as Connecticut Route 52 and Massachusetts Route 52 before being incorporated into the Interstate system.
Construction of the highway began in the 1960s, with segments opening progressively over the following decades. The southern portion in Connecticut was completed first, with the northern extension into Massachusetts finalized in the late 1980s. The highway was originally designated as Interstate 395 to reflect its auxiliary status to Interstate 95, which runs along the eastern seaboard.
Over the years, I-395 has undergone several improvements, including lane expansions, interchange upgrades, and safety enhancements to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. The highway has played a significant role in regional development, facilitating suburban growth and industrial expansion in eastern Connecticut and central Massachusetts.
### Traffic and Usage
I-395 serves a diverse range of traffic, including daily commuters, commercial vehicles, and long-distance travelers. The highway is particularly important for freight movement, connecting industrial areas in Connecticut with distribution centers and manufacturing hubs in Massachusetts.
Traffic volumes vary along the route, with higher densities near urban centers such as Norwich, Connecticut, and Auburn, Massachusetts. Peak travel times typically occur during weekday mornings and evenings, reflecting commuter patterns. The highway is maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), both of which monitor traffic conditions and perform regular maintenance.
### Major Interchanges and Connections
– **I-95 (East Lyme, CT):** Southern terminus of I-395, providing access to the coastal corridor between New York City and Boston.
– **Route 2 (Norwich, CT):** A major east-west route connecting Hartford and eastern Connecticut.
– **U.S. Route 6 (Plainfield, CT):** A significant east-west highway serving northern Connecticut.
– **Route 12 (Killingly, CT):** A regional route providing local access.
– **I-90 (Auburn, MA):** Northern terminus of I-395, connecting to the Massachusetts Turnpike and the greater Boston area.
### Economic and Regional Impact
I-395 has been instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of eastern Connecticut and central Massachusetts. By providing a high-capacity transportation corridor, the highway has enabled the growth of suburban communities and facilitated access to employment centers.
The route supports industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail by improving freight mobility. Additionally, I-395 enhances tourism by providing access to recreational areas, including state parks and historical sites in the region.
### Future Developments
Transportation agencies in Connecticut and Massachusetts continue to evaluate I-395 for potential improvements to address congestion, safety, and infrastructure aging. Proposed projects include interchange redesigns, pavement rehabilitation, and the installation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve traffic flow and incident management.
Efforts are also underway to enhance multimodal connectivity by improving access to public transit and promoting alternative transportation options along the corridor.
### Exit List
The exit numbering on I-395 follows a mile-based system, beginning at the southern terminus in East Lyme, Connecticut, and increasing northward to Auburn, Massachusetts. Key exits provide access to local towns, state routes, and major highways.
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**Meta Description:**
Interstate 395 is a 67-mile north-south highway connecting eastern Connecticut and central Massachusetts, serving as a vital regional corridor between I-95 and I-90. It supports commuter traffic, freight movement, and regional economic development.