Greenwich/Killingly Expressway - Gov. John Davis Lodge Turnpike
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"A Great Construction Achievement"
"Treat the turnpike with respect and obey all motor vehicle laws and regulations." Gov. A. Ribicoff / Jan 2, 1958
Opened: January 2, 1958
Length: 128.66 Miles
Interchanges: 91 Original
Toll System: Mainline Barriers
Tolls Discontinued: October 9, 1985
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The Connecticut Turnpike extends from Greenwich, CT at the New York State line to Killingly, CT at the Rhode Island State line, at a distance of 129 miles. It follows the coast line from Greenwich to East Lyme, at which point it goes in a northeasterly direction to Killingly. It is a limited access highway with 90 interchanges. There are eigth barrier-type toll stations (discontinued in 1985). The Connecticut Turnpike serves both through traffic and local traffic and both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It was built at a cost of approximately $410,000,000 and was officially opened (from Exit 5) on January 2, 1958.
The Connecticut Turnpike: Ribbon of Hope
College of Agriculture / University of Connecticut
January 1965
SERVING BUSINESS & RECREATION
The Connecticut Turnpike provides 129 miles of modern divided highway with the longest continuously lighted expressway (1958) and the longest truly urban and suburban mileage.
Offering up to eight lanes in the busier sections, its entire distance is free of cross traffic and has traffic lights only at toll stations. A central mall separates vehicles moving in opposite directions.
THE END OF TOLL COLLECTIONS
By the mid-to late 70's, toll plazas were clogged with vehicles, leading to accidents, air pollution and frustration at time lost. In 1983, galvanized by a seven-fatality accident at the Stratford tolls, and facilitated by the fact that the tolls had paid off the bonds used to build the turnpike - - more than a decade ahead of schedule, the toll plazas were taken down.
New York Times / The Turnpike in Mid-life Crises
January 17, 2000
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