I-291 Route Guide: Navigating the Springfield and Chicopee Corridor
Interstate 291 (I-291) serves as a critical connector in Western Massachusetts, linking the city of Springfield with Chicopee. Operating as a spur—a short highway that branches off a main interstate—I-291 provides essential access between I-91 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), facilitating the flow of traffic through this urban corridor.
Key Facts
- Origin: Begins as a spur of I-91 at exit 6 in Springfield.
- Concurrency: Runs concurrently (shares the same roadway) with US 20 for a portion of its route.
- Terminus: Ends in Chicopee at an intersection with Burnett Road and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
- Major Connections: Links I-91, US 20, and I-90.
Eastbound Route and Connectivity
The journey eastbound begins at exit 6 of I-91 in Springfield. At this starting point, I-291 merges with US 20, which enters from the north. After passing exits 2A and 2B, the two entry ramps from I-91 merge, marking the official start of I-291 east.
I-291 and US 20 travel together eastbound until exit 5A. At this junction, US 20 east departs the highway to connect with Route 20A. Following this split, I-291 continues its eastward path into Chicopee, eventually intersecting with the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90).
The Chicopee Terminus
The eastern end of I-291 is characterized by a unique intersection controlled by a stoplight. While the roadway continues as Burnett Road, traffic traveling east on I-291 can bypass the light via a dedicated ramp that leads directly to the turnpike. Conversely, drivers exiting the turnpike must navigate the traffic light, performing a left turn across the intersection to access I-291 west.
Westbound Navigation and Complex Interchanges
Navigating I-291 westbound requires attention due to several unusual ramp configurations, particularly at the I-91 interchange. In a non-traditional layout, the ramps for exits 1A and 1B split before the ramps for exits 2A and 2B.
- To reach exit 2A (Chestnut Street): Drivers must first take the ramp designated for exit 1A (I-91 south).
- To reach exit 2B (Dwight Street): Drivers must first take the ramp designated for exit 1B (I-91 north).
Additionally, drivers seeking US 20 west must use exit 1B. While it may appear that US 20 joins I-91, the exit actually splits: the left lane leads to the I-91 north onramp, while the right lane continues onto the US 20 access ramp.
Route Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | I-91 Exit 6, Springfield |
| Ending Point | Burnett Road / I-90, Chicopee |
| Concurrent Route | US 20 |
| Major Intersections | I-91, I-90, Route 20A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does I-291 begin?
I-291 begins in Springfield as a spur of I-91 at exit 6, where it merges with US 20.
How do I get to Chestnut Street (Exit 2A) when traveling westbound?
Due to an unusual ramp configuration, you must first take the ramp for exit 1A (I-91 south) to reach exit 2A.
Does US 20 merge directly with I-91?
No, US 20 does not join I-91. At exit 1B, the ramp splits, allowing drivers to choose between the I-91 north onramp to the left or the US 20 access ramp to the right.
What happens at the end of I-291 east in Chicopee?
The highway ends at a stoplight where it becomes Burnett Road. However, eastbound traffic can use a ramp to enter the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) without stopping at the light.
How do I access I-291 west from the Massachusetts Turnpike?
Drivers coming from the turnpike must go through the stoplight at the end of the route and make a left turn across the intersection to enter I-291 west.