Route 139 is a short connector from US 1 and I-95 to the center of North Branford. Its history is a little more interesting: it was once three times as long, and even had a Route 139A.
Updated Sept 9, 2024
< Route 138A Route 139A >
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Route 139 is a short connector from US 1 and I-95 to the center of North Branford. Its history is a little more interesting: it was once three times as long, and even had a Route 139A.
In the 1920s, State Highway 139 followed today's Route 101 between Route 12 and Rhode Island.
The modern Route 139 was created in 1932, between US 1 and Route 80 (same location as today). In 1935, though, it was extended north, along an overlap with Route 80, and Forest Road, to reach Route 15 (now Route 17) in North Branford. Its length, reaching 8.03 miles, had more than tripled.
In 1951, the state created Route 22 from three existing routes to help guide drivers from the new Wilbur Cross Parkway to US 1. Route 22 absorbed the Forest Road segment, and Route 139 returned to the short segment we see today.
In 1964, the short Route 139A (dead end section of Branford Road) was turned over to the town.