Route 116 is a prime example of inter-state cooperation in state route numbering: part of Connecticut Route 33 was renumbered for continuity with New York route 116.
Updated Sept 19, 2024
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Route 116 is a prime example of inter-state cooperation in state route numbering: part of Connecticut Route 33 was renumbered for continuity with New York route 116.
In the 1920s, State Highway 116 followed today's Route 10 between Farmington (at Route 4) and Granby (at Route 20).
In 1932, Route 116 was created in the Torrington area: a 10.78-mile route from Route 8 in Harwinton to Route 4 in Collinsville along present-day Route 118 and Route 4.
In 1956, the segment between Litchfield Center (at US 202) and Route 8 was added.
In 1961, a new 2-lane limited access route opened between Routes 8 and 254, paralleling East Litchfield Road. There are no grade separations or interchanges; the state merely limits new properties or intersections on the road.
In 1963, Route 4 was shifted to its modern configuration in the area, and Route 116 was shortened to where Route 118 goes now. On Jan. 1, 1967 this was renumbered to 118, to free up the number for Route 116's second incarnation, below.
Originally part of Route 33, today's Route 116 in Ridgefield, North Salem Road, traces back to one of Ridgefield's earliest roads. Its original path, likely based on a Native American trail, is Tackora Trail, leading from downtown to Lake Mamanasco.
North Salem Road's first numeric designation was State Highway 143, added around 1923.
On Jan. 1, 1932, this became part of Route 33.
On Jan. 1, 1967, it was renumbered to 116 to match its New York state counterpart across the border.
New York route 116, designated in 1930, originally extended west to Peekskill, N. Y., but now starts in Somers, N. Y.