The First and the Last: Turnpikes Through Wilbraham

Wilbraham holds a unique distinction among Massachusetts communities: it was traversed by both the first and the most recent turnpikes constructed in the Commonwealth. The earliest toll road to pass through Wilbraham was established in the late 18th century. In 1796, a charter was granted to improve the County Road stretching from Warren to Palmer. Two years later, this route was extended to reach North Wilbraham.

One of the most transformative developments from this project was the construction of a significant half-mile excavation along the bank of the Chicopee River, locally known as the “Dugway.” This section became part of what we now recognize as Boston Road (Route 20). Operated by a private corporation, this toll road system remained active until around 1847, when it ceased operation.

The "Dugway" in 1892

The "Dugway" in the early 1900s. (Joe Roberts)

During its years of use, a toll house was located at the base of Butler Hill, just west of what is now Crane Hill Road. Notably, some travelers avoided the toll altogether by using a “shunpike,” or bypass route, meant for those unwilling to pay. This path branched off near today’s Three Rivers Road, across from Circle Drive, and reconnected with the County Road just west of the toll house.

Over a century later, Wilbraham once again became part of Massachusetts' major transportation history when the final leg of the modern Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate 90, was constructed through the northeastern corner of town. Though this stretch of highway covers just over a mile within Wilbraham's borders, it has made a memorable impression on generations of residents and travelers alike. One lasting image for many returning home from the west has been the iconic "Welcome to Wilbraham" sign near the turnpike, carefully maintained and shaped from shrubbery, proudly declaring Wilbraham as the home of the Friendly Ice Cream Corporation.

"Welcome to Wilbraham" sign near the turnpike. (FIC)

The post–World War II era brought a growing need for efficient, limited-access highways to accommodate the booming suburban population and increased transportation demands. Recognizing this, the Massachusetts Legislature established the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) in 1952. The Authority was tasked with designing, building, and managing a 123-mile east-west toll road across the state, funded entirely through toll revenue rather than taxpayer dollars.

Construction of the Massachusetts Turnpike bridge between Ludlow and Wilbraham, mid-1950s. (Joe Roberts)

Construction began on January 24, 1955, at the New York state line. In a remarkably short time, just over two years, the Turnpike opened to traffic on May 15, 1957, stretching from West Stockbridge to Route 128 (now I-95) at the western edge of Boston. The project cost approximately $257 million and became part of the national Interstate Highway System as the Massachusetts section of Interstate 90, ultimately connecting to Seattle, Washington.

The completed Massachusetts Turnpike bridge between Ludlow and Wilbraham, mid-1950s, looking towards Wilbraham. (Joe Roberts)