CT 6A in RmcN Atlas?

[TravelingBethelite]

I was browsing the Connecticut map in the 2016 atlas, and then I noticed that between [north]east of Exit 22 and Exit 28, through Marion, there is shown a CT 6A, under the name 'Meriden Road'. It may or may not extend east of I-84 to I-691 at Exit 4. However, U.S. 6 at that point is on a course from Thomaston to Farmington. I consulted Kurumi's site, the utmost source in Connecticut roads, and according to it (http://www.kurumi.com/roads/ct/us6a.html) there was never a U.S. 6A in that area. Is it a goof? Is it actually there? Any insight? 

[KEVIN_224]

I think US 6A may have been an early name for I-691. The old CVS in Meriden's Mall (long gone now) had their receipts print "6A" on the store's address sometimes.

[Mapmikey]

This road was part of a long US 6-A.  Shows in the 1961 Rand McN and is the 3rd US 6-A discussed in Kurumi's site...

Mike

[shadyjay]

CT 6A has been posted in the RMcN atlas for several years now.  Back when CT was two pages, there was also Route 664 posted in Plainfield/Killingly.  That route is a "secret" state route (state maintenance, not sign posted).  The Waterbury inset also has several square route numbers in the 800-series shown, which I believe are also secret routes.  The New London inset also shows Route 649 (with a circle/oval shield) which you also won't see signposted in the field.

I'll add those to my list of "corrections" which I plan on submitting to RMcN.

[kurumi]

This "CT 6A" is part of the longest-lived incarnation of US 6A, which became routes 64 and 66 in 1967.

I know it's selfish, but all the accidental "secret route" revelations (if correct) are mistakes I don't mind leaving unfixed.

[connroadgeek]

What's the point of secret routes? Is it just because the state doesn't want to spend time putting up signs for those routes to save money?

[KEVIN_224]

Are they technically CT's version of county routes? Example: The Willow Brook Connector in Berlin, close to Willow Brook Park and New Britain Stadium, is unsigned route 571.

[shadyjay]

Are they technically CT's version of county routes? Example: The Willow Brook Connector in Berlin, close to Willow Brook Park and New Britain Stadium, is unsigned route 571.

Sort of.  Though there's not really any county government anymore in CT.  They're more just state maintained roads that just don't get public signage of their route number, for whatever region.  ConnDOT press releases will mention them, but not usually any maps and almost never in the field.   

[kurumi]

Think of secret routes as following a flowchart path where all questions are answered "yes":

Should the state maintain the route, instead of the city or town? (In other words, does it connect two state highways, or surface road to a freeway ramp, a state highway to a state institution or park; or is it a freeway stub that serves as a long exit ramp, etc.?)

Is it not worthwhile to sign the route? (It may be too short, or too close to other routes, or otherwise not in alignment with what motorists would expect for a signed state route. Putting SR 500 signs on I-84 exit 56 wouldn't really help anyone. Same for most other secret routes.)

Is it still worth having an internal numeric designation? Yes. Much easier for the DOT to keep track of.

[KEVIN_224]

Indeed! The connector I mentioned is barely a mile long but connects CT Route 9 North (Exit 24 northbound only) to CT Routes 71A and CT 372 at the Berlin/New Britain town line. I believe it was once a portion of the old CT Route 72, before the section north towards Exit 25 - Ellis Street (part of CT Route 9 today) was built.

[jp the roadgeek]

Indeed! The connector I mentioned is barely a mile long but connects CT Route 9 North (Exit 24 northbound only) to CT Routes 71A and CT 372 at the Berlin/New Britain town line. I believe it was once a portion of the old CT Route 72, before the section north towards Exit 25 - Ellis Street (part of CT Route 9 today) was built.

And it was also part of CT 372 proper before CT 9 was expanded north of I-91 and CT 372 was expanded through Berlin and Cromwell.  Sign used to say 372 TO 71. Now its TO 372 71

[KEVIN_224]

Today, the entire length of Farmington Avenue in Berlin (sections Kensington village) is part of CT Route 372. It ends immediately south of the above expressway at CT Route 71A.