Massachusetts Route 9
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Massachusetts State Highway 9, always referred to simply as Route 9, is a major east-west state highway in Massachusetts. Along with US 20 to the south and Route 2 to the north, these highways are the main alternatives to the Massachusetts Turnpike/I-90 toll road. From downtown Boston, Route 9 runs through Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, Southborough, Westborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, and into Worcester. It follows Worcester's city streets and then heads west to Northampton. After this, Route 9 becomes less important, merging with Route 8 near Pittsfield.
History
Between Worcester and Boston, Route 9 follows the path of the 19th Century Boston-Worcester Turnpike, opened in 1810. This was one of the earliest tollways in the country, and featured a number of floating bridges, including one over Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury.
In the 20th Century, Route 9 became the focus for urban sprawl in towns like Newton and Wellesley. Further West, in Framingham, Route 9 was home to one of the first modern shopping malls, the aptly-named Shoppers World.
In Framingham, Route 9 is officially the "Ted Williams Highway", named after the Red Sox sports legend Ted Williams, who sported that number. In Newton, it's officially the "United Spanish War Veterans Highway".
From 1903 to 1932, the Boston and Worcester Street Railway ran mostly via Route 9.