AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Northeast => Topic started by: Mergingtraffic on February 28, 2011, 09:43:39 AM

Title: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: Mergingtraffic on February 28, 2011, 09:43:39 AM
Looking at the pics of the abandoned I-95 in Newburyport, when was this abandoned? 

http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/ma/i-95/2.html
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: ATLRedSoxFan on February 28, 2011, 01:15:32 PM
It really wasn't abandoned, it just was never completed. When they killed I-95 through Boston, they just routed it on MA128. The Tobin Bridge US1 was supposed to be part of I-95 as well. There's also a stretch out by Danvers and Peabody that even had sign bridges installed.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: NE2 on February 28, 2011, 01:25:11 PM
Quote from: ATLRedSoxFan on February 28, 2011, 01:15:32 PM
It really wasn't abandoned, it just was never completed. When they killed I-95 through Boston, they just routed it on MA128. The Tobin Bridge US1 was supposed to be part of I-95 as well. There's also a stretch out by Danvers and Peabody that even had sign bridges installed.
Um... the link is a different section, in Newburyport.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: shadyjay on February 28, 2011, 06:27:28 PM
This link has some photos and info on the abandonment:

http://massroads.com/?page=i95_mass_north

The site says 1976.  It was originally built as a US 1 relocation and then widened later, with portions abandoned. 
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: mightyace on March 07, 2011, 02:19:09 AM
^^^

Never knew about this before.  But then, I've never been to that part of Mass.

Like that section of former I-44 near Tulsa, it's interesting to see abandoned Interstate in a relatively built up area.  (And, no, Breezewood does not count as a built up area!)
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: Alps on March 07, 2011, 07:35:00 PM
Quote from: mightyace on March 07, 2011, 02:19:09 AM
^^^

Never knew about this before.  But then, I've never been to that part of Mass.

Like that section of former I-44 near Tulsa, it's interesting to see abandoned Interstate in a relatively built up area.  (And, no, Breezewood does not count as a built up area!)
How about the NJ Turnpike? Former SB lanes still show here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=north+brunswick+nj&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.984987,74.355469&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=North+Brunswick,+Middlesex,+New+Jersey&ll=40.421378,-74.441128&spn=0.003986,0.009077&t=k&z=17)
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on March 08, 2011, 12:56:02 AM
US 33 approaching Indian Lake (NW of Bellefountaine, Ohio)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.roadfan.com%2Fold33-2.JPG&hash=adf1ca655e67c75a2cfd013440bad412d85e6835)
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: mightyace on March 10, 2011, 01:59:12 AM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on March 07, 2011, 07:35:00 PM
How about the NJ Turnpike? Former SB lanes still show here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=north+brunswick+nj&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.984987,74.355469&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=North+Brunswick,+Middlesex,+New+Jersey&ll=40.421378,-74.441128&spn=0.003986,0.009077&t=k&z=17)

I've only been on a few miles of the NJ Turnpike near NYC, so I didn't know.

But, that's part of the fun of this board.  Finding out about such things.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: Sykotyk on March 10, 2011, 12:42:24 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on March 07, 2011, 07:35:00 PM
Quote from: mightyace on March 07, 2011, 02:19:09 AM
^^^

Never knew about this before.  But then, I've never been to that part of Mass.

Like that section of former I-44 near Tulsa, it's interesting to see abandoned Interstate in a relatively built up area.  (And, no, Breezewood does not count as a built up area!)
How about the NJ Turnpike? Former SB lanes still show here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=north+brunswick+nj&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.984987,74.355469&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=North+Brunswick,+Middlesex,+New+Jersey&ll=40.421378,-74.441128&spn=0.003986,0.009077&t=k&z=17)

Can you point out exactly where on the map the SB lanes are? I've tried spotting them, but can't.
Edit Nevermind, I spotted them, are you referencing the lanes between the two ramps to/from the service plaza?
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 10, 2011, 01:33:02 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on March 10, 2011, 12:42:24 PM
Nevermind, I spotted them, are you referencing the lanes between the two ramps to/from the service plaza?

that's gotta be it.  all other lanes contain traffic; those lanes contain a single yellow maintenance vehicle.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: rickmastfan67 on March 12, 2011, 11:07:14 PM
Quote from: mightyace on March 10, 2011, 01:59:12 AM
But, that's part of the fun of this board.  Finding out about such things.

Agreed. :)
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: JohnnyO on March 16, 2011, 01:21:51 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on March 10, 2011, 12:42:24 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on March 07, 2011, 07:35:00 PM
Quote from: mightyace on March 07, 2011, 02:19:09 AM
^^^

Never knew about this before.  But then, I've never been to that part of Mass.

Like that section of former I-44 near Tulsa, it's interesting to see abandoned Interstate in a relatively built up area.  (And, no, Breezewood does not count as a built up area!)
How about the NJ Turnpike? Former SB lanes still show here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=north+brunswick+nj&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.984987,74.355469&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=North+Brunswick,+Middlesex,+New+Jersey&ll=40.421378,-74.441128&spn=0.003986,0.009077&t=k&z=17)

Can you point out exactly where on the map the SB lanes are? I've tried spotting them, but can't.
Edit Nevermind, I spotted them, are you referencing the lanes between the two ramps to/from the service plaza?

They are between the current N/B car lanes and truck lanes. Easier to see if you zoom in a couple of clicks, and look for the white painted triangular shape in the former S/B lanes. The painted former lanes are easy to spot south of the triangle.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 19, 2011, 04:47:18 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on March 07, 2011, 07:35:00 PM
Quote from: mightyace on March 07, 2011, 02:19:09 AM
^^^

Never knew about this before.  But then, I've never been to that part of Mass.

Like that section of former I-44 near Tulsa, it's interesting to see abandoned Interstate in a relatively built up area.  (And, no, Breezewood does not count as a built up area!)
How about the NJ Turnpike? Former SB lanes still show here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=north+brunswick+nj&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.984987,74.355469&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=North+Brunswick,+Middlesex,+New+Jersey&ll=40.421378,-74.441128&spn=0.003986,0.009077&t=k&z=17)
I knew that was an abandoned section of the turnpike by one of the rest areas.

While we're on that subject, is there any reason the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has never considered separating the on and off-ramps for the car & truck lanes?
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: Dougtone on December 21, 2019, 11:34:17 AM
Digging up this old topic, to showcase a recent blog post I wrote up regarding the abandoned section of I-95 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Some of you may remember (or even attended) the road meet in Newburyport back in October 2019 where the abandoned I-95 was a highlight of the meet tour. I visited the stretch of abandoned I-95 a few times before then, including April 2018, when I started hatching the idea of having a road meet in Newburyport. These are my photos from the April 2018 visit, as the abandoned stretch of I-95 is now part of a well preserved recreational trail. I've also included a write-up that includes a history of this stretch of roadway. Enjoy!

https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/abandoned-interstate-95-newburyport.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2019/12/abandoned-interstate-95-newburyport.html)
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: DJStephens on January 03, 2020, 09:18:48 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 28, 2011, 06:27:28 PM
This link has some photos and info on the abandonment:

http://massroads.com/?page=i95_mass_north

The site says 1976.  It was originally built as a US 1 relocation and then widened later, with portions abandoned.

Link gives one a "server 500" error.   The abandonment was part of a mid to late seventies upgrade of Interstate 95 between 128 and I-495.  The older four lane segments, some of which were possibly incorporated upgraded US 1 pieces, were replaced by twin four lane alignments, one for SB and one for NB.  The older six lane Merrimack River Bridge interrupted these improvements.  Believe it too has been replaced with a modern eight lane span by this point. 
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: 74/171FAN on January 04, 2020, 08:34:51 AM
Quote from: DJStephens on January 03, 2020, 09:18:48 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on February 28, 2011, 06:27:28 PM
This link has some photos and info on the abandonment:

http://massroads.com/?page=i95_mass_north

The site says 1976.  It was originally built as a US 1 relocation and then widened later, with portions abandoned.

Link gives one a "server 500" error.   The abandonment was part of a mid to late seventies upgrade of Interstate 95 between 128 and I-495.  The older four lane segments, some of which were possibly incorporated upgraded US 1 pieces, were replaced by twin four lane alignments, one for SB and one for NB.  The older six lane Merrimack River Bridge interrupted these improvements.  Believe it too has been replaced with a modern eight lane span by this point. 

Yes, many of us walked along the trail along I-95 that also crosses the Merrimack River with it.  You are correct in that the bridge there is 8 lanes.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 04, 2020, 06:28:00 PM
YUP! As I went over it on March 6, 2019:
(https://i.imgur.com/APLNqy1.jpg)
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: DJStephens on January 05, 2020, 01:42:25 PM
Nice that it has parallel four lane bridges.  Instead of  featuring a skewed alignment to mash everything together in a single span in order to cut costs.   That is what is done down in this part of the country and it is really annoying.   
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: TheGrassGuy on January 22, 2020, 09:57:43 AM
Aren't they trying to turn that into a bike trail or something?
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: PHLBOS on January 22, 2020, 10:35:14 AM
Quote from: TheGrassGuy on January 22, 2020, 09:57:43 AMAren't they trying to turn that into a bike trail or something?
Look to the right of KEVIN_224's above-posted-photo.  There is indeed a separate parallel bike/multi-use trail that was built as part of the Whittier Bridge Replacement project. 
Info. on the Garrison Trail (https://coastaltrails.org/the-trail-network/garrison-trail-on-i-95-bridge/). 

A few of us walked (AARoads member 1 & I walked the whole length (1.9 miles one-way) and back) on it during last October's road meet.
Title: Re: Abandoned I-95 in Newburyport in Mass
Post by: SectorZ on January 22, 2020, 04:56:42 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 22, 2020, 10:35:14 AM
Quote from: TheGrassGuy on January 22, 2020, 09:57:43 AMAren't they trying to turn that into a bike trail or something?
Look to the right of KEVIN_224's above-posted-photo.  There is indeed a separate parallel bike/multi-use trail that was built as part of the Whittier Bridge Replacement project. 
Info. on the Garrison Trail (https://coastaltrails.org/the-trail-network/garrison-trail-on-i-95-bridge/). 

A few of us walked (AARoads member 1 & I walked the whole length (1.9 miles one-way) and back) on it during last October's road meet.

I've routinely used it cycling since it opened. Quite a nice alternative to cross the Merrimack, especially since the US 1 crossing is a total pain for cycling.