MA 8
MA 8 Information: Northern terminus is at the VT state line in Clarksburg, MA. The southern terminus is at the CT state line in Sandisfield, MA. It multiplexes with US 20, MA 9, and MA 2.
History/Facts: It used to be NE 8 from its length in Vermont, MA, and Connecticut. What is now 8A in N. Adams used to be 8 proper, and when the four lane was built, it was 8A, but these numbers were switched in 1975. Several old alignments exist in MA, notably in Cheshire.
Photos:
Northbound
/ Southbound
Southbound: The Berkshires
The Hoosic bridge in North Adams. Recently redecked.
A general N. Adams road shot.
A nice rock cut and retaining wall near where the four laning starts.
The start of the four laning in N. Adams. There are a few developments along it, but not many.
The terminus of 8A. A jughandle is here for turning from 8S to 8AN.
More four-laning.
Entering the town of Adams, where the two lane segments begin.
Nearing downtown Adams, notable for its statue of William McKinley.
Another goofy 8 shield.
Downtown Adams. I apologize for the Coke truck.
This is at the terminus of MA 116 in downtown Adams. Yes, the same 116 that goes into Amherst.
Getting out of downtown Adams and into more rural two lane highway.
State maintenance begins.
Wow, a normal Series D 8. Whodathunk.
Another two lane shot. MA 8 is a very scenic but heavily trafficked drive from Pittsfield to Adams, as it's the only N/S route between these old industrial centers.
The only weigh station I know of in this area.
For once, it doesn't say closed! I can't ever recall this weigh station being open.
The road into the weigh station, which I know must not be there anymore, as the car dealers in this area use it for test drives and other things.
General Cheshire road shot.
Old MA 8 S in Lanesborough.
Old MA 8 north in Lanesborough.
Really. This road has to belong to SOMEBODY. ;) There must be a story I don't know about it.
A general road shot in Lanesborough.
2 lane in Lanesborough nearing the Mall road.
Series F shield, Hinsdale.
"Downtown" Hinsdale.
Junction with MA 143, Hinsdale.
Done? Head Northbound or Return home.
All photographs and original info ©2004/2005 Dan Vincent unless otherwise noted.