U.S. Route 6 in Massachusetts
Encyclopedia
Route 6 is the portion of the cross-country U.S. Route 6
in the state of Massachusetts
. Route 6 runs 117.46 miles (189 km) in the state connecting Providence, Rhode Island
to Fall River
, New Bedford
, and Cape Cod
. In the Fall River and New Bedford areas, Route 6 is a secondary highway paralleling Interstate 195
. Within Cape Cod, Route 6 is the primary highway interconnecting the towns of the area.
line (crossing into Massachusetts from East Providence
to Seekonk
) to the Cape Cod Canal
, except for sections in New Bedford
(where it runs along Mill and Kempton Streets, two one-way city streets) and Fall River
(where it runs along a two-lane President Avenue).
After crossing the canal via the Sagamore Bridge
, it becomes a freeway, known as the Mid-Cape Highway. From Bourne
to Dennis
at the Exit 9A/B cloverleaf
, the freeway is 4 lanes. The bridges from the Cape Cod Canal
, to Oak Street in Barnstable Village
(a half-mile west of Route 132), are unique in their construction since they are made out of concrete and granite. The road then reduces to a two-lane freeway
with plastic stanchions posted on a small asphalt
median. The two-lane freeway section has a secondary, less-formal name of "Suicide Alley", due to the high number of fatalities from head-on collisions before the median improvements were constructed. (When the two-lane freeway stretch was first built, it was marked with passing zones like any other two-lane highway. The small asphalt/stanchion median was built in stages beginning in 1989 and finishing in 1992.) The Mid-Cape Highway carries a speed limit
of 55 on the standard freeway and 50 on the two-lane freeway. It remains like this until Orleans
, where the freeway ends at a large rotary
(Mile 90.6).
Through Eastham
and North Truro
, U.S. 6 is a 4-lane surface street. Through Wellfleet
and southern Truro
, U.S. 6 is a former 3-lane road converted to 2 lanes with shoulders. In Provincetown
, U.S. 6 ends as it started in the state, as a surface expressway once again until it comes to an end at Route 6A at the Cape Cod National Seashore
. For the last several miles of its existence near Provincetown Route 6 east is actually heading west-southwest.
Before the U.S. Highway system, the route from Rhode Island to Bourne
, and from Orleans to Provincetown, was part of New England Interstate Route 3 (NE-3). Within the Upper Cape, however, NE-3 went along what is now Route 28 between Bourne and Orleans. The U.S. 6 designation was instead applied to the route on the north shore of Cape Cod, which was known as New England Interstate Route 6 before 1926 (now Route 6A).
U.S. 6 was briefly signed on current I-195
between Route 105
and Route 28; however, when I-195 was completed, and the I-195 designation took over that section of freeway, U.S. 6 reverted back to its older route.
Formerly, U.S. 6 took both sides along the Cape Cod canal (and was signed as "BYPASS 6"), but is now routed only on the north side (The south side
is now signed "TO 6" from the Sagamore Bridge
to the Bourne Bridge). However, a single "BYPASS 6" sign still exists just north of the Bourne Bridge rotary.
The Orleans Rotary was once officially Exit 13. A sign labeling the turnoff to Routes 6A/28 once marked it as "Exit 13S", however the signage was removed in 1985.
There are also two freeway-style interchanges on the surface arterial portion in Truro
. The first is near Mile 106 for the Pamet Roads, and the second is near Mile 110 for Highland Road. These exits are not numbered.
U.S. Route 6
U.S. Route 6 , also called the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, a name that honors an American Civil War veterans association, is a main route of the U.S. Highway system, running east-northeast from Bishop, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Until 1964, it continued south from Bishop to...
in the state of Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. Route 6 runs 117.46 miles (189 km) in the state connecting Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
to Fall River
Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located about south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and west of New Bedford and south of Taunton. The city's population was 88,857 during the 2010 census, making it the tenth largest city in...
, New Bedford
New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, located south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and about east of Fall River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts...
, and Cape Cod
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, often referred to locally as simply the Cape, is a cape in the easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts, in the Northeastern United States...
. In the Fall River and New Bedford areas, Route 6 is a secondary highway paralleling Interstate 195
Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts)
Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts...
. Within Cape Cod, Route 6 is the primary highway interconnecting the towns of the area.
Route description
Route 6 is a 4-lane arterial road for approximately its first 54 miles (86.9 km) from the Rhode IslandRhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
line (crossing into Massachusetts from East Providence
East Providence, Rhode Island
East Providence is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 47,037 at the 2010 census, making it the fifth largest city in the state.-Geography:East Providence is located at ....
to Seekonk
Seekonk, Massachusetts
Seekonk is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, on the Massachusetts border. It was incorporated in 1812 from the western half of Rehoboth. The population was 13,722 at the 2010 census. Until 1862, the town of Seekonk also included what is now the City of East Providence, Rhode...
) to the Cape Cod Canal
Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal is an artificial waterway traversing the narrow neck of land that joins Cape Cod to mainland Massachusetts.Part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the canal is roughly 17.4 miles long and connects Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south...
, except for sections in New Bedford
New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, located south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and about east of Fall River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts...
(where it runs along Mill and Kempton Streets, two one-way city streets) and Fall River
Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located about south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and west of New Bedford and south of Taunton. The city's population was 88,857 during the 2010 census, making it the tenth largest city in...
(where it runs along a two-lane President Avenue).
After crossing the canal via the Sagamore Bridge
Sagamore Bridge
The Sagamore Bridge in Sagamore, Massachusetts carries U.S. Route 6 across the Cape Cod Canal, connecting Cape Cod with the rest of Massachusetts, USA....
, it becomes a freeway, known as the Mid-Cape Highway. From Bourne
Bourne, Massachusetts
Bourne is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 18,721 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Bourne, please see the articles on Bourne , Buzzards Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore, and Sagamore...
to Dennis
Dennis, Massachusetts
Dennis is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; located near the center of Cape Cod. The population was 14,207 at the 2010 census.The town encompasses five distinct villages, each of which has its own post office...
at the Exit 9A/B cloverleaf
Cloverleaf interchange
A cloverleaf interchange is a two-level interchange in which left turns, reverse direction in left-driving regions, are handled by ramp roads...
, the freeway is 4 lanes. The bridges from the Cape Cod Canal
Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal is an artificial waterway traversing the narrow neck of land that joins Cape Cod to mainland Massachusetts.Part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the canal is roughly 17.4 miles long and connects Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south...
, to Oak Street in Barnstable Village
Barnstable (village), Massachusetts
Barnstable is the name of one of the seven villages within the Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts. The Village of Barnstable is located on the north side of the town, centered along "Old King's Highway" , and houses the County Complex of Barnstable County, a small business district, a working...
(a half-mile west of Route 132), are unique in their construction since they are made out of concrete and granite. The road then reduces to a two-lane freeway
Two-lane freeway
A two-lane expressway is an expressway with only one lane in each direction, and usually no median barrier. It may be built that way because of constraints, or may be intended for expansion once traffic volumes rise. The term super two is often used by roadgeeks for this type of road, but traffic...
with plastic stanchions posted on a small asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt or , also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits, it is a substance classed as a pitch...
median. The two-lane freeway section has a secondary, less-formal name of "Suicide Alley", due to the high number of fatalities from head-on collisions before the median improvements were constructed. (When the two-lane freeway stretch was first built, it was marked with passing zones like any other two-lane highway. The small asphalt/stanchion median was built in stages beginning in 1989 and finishing in 1992.) The Mid-Cape Highway carries a speed limit
Speed limit
Road speed limits are used in most countries to regulate the speed of road vehicles. Speed limits may define maximum , minimum or no speed limit and are normally indicated using a traffic sign...
of 55 on the standard freeway and 50 on the two-lane freeway. It remains like this until Orleans
Orleans, Massachusetts
Orleans is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 5,890 at the 2010 census....
, where the freeway ends at a large rotary
Roundabout
A roundabout is the name for a road junction in which traffic moves in one direction around a central island. The word dates from the early 20th century. Roundabouts are common in many countries around the world...
(Mile 90.6).
Through Eastham
Eastham, Massachusetts
Eastham is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 5,453 at the 2000 census....
and North Truro
Truro, Massachusetts
Truro is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, comprising two villages: Truro and North Truro. Located two hours outside Boston, it is a summer vacation community just south of the northern tip of Cape Cod, in an area known as the "Outer Cape"...
, U.S. 6 is a 4-lane surface street. Through Wellfleet
Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Wellfleet is a New England town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Located halfway between the "tip" and "elbow" of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the town had a population of 2,749 at the 2000 census, which swells nearly sixfold during the summer...
and southern Truro
Truro, Massachusetts
Truro is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, comprising two villages: Truro and North Truro. Located two hours outside Boston, it is a summer vacation community just south of the northern tip of Cape Cod, in an area known as the "Outer Cape"...
, U.S. 6 is a former 3-lane road converted to 2 lanes with shoulders. In Provincetown
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is a New England town located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,431 at the 2000 census, with an estimated 2007 population of 3,174...
, U.S. 6 ends as it started in the state, as a surface expressway once again until it comes to an end at Route 6A at the Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore , created on August 7, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, encompasses on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It includes ponds, woods and beachfront of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion...
. For the last several miles of its existence near Provincetown Route 6 east is actually heading west-southwest.
New England Interstate Route 3
Bourne, Massachusetts
Bourne is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 18,721 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Bourne, please see the articles on Bourne , Buzzards Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore, and Sagamore...
, and from Orleans to Provincetown, was part of New England Interstate Route 3 (NE-3). Within the Upper Cape, however, NE-3 went along what is now Route 28 between Bourne and Orleans. The U.S. 6 designation was instead applied to the route on the north shore of Cape Cod, which was known as New England Interstate Route 6 before 1926 (now Route 6A).
U.S. Route 6 Bypass
When U.S. 6 was first routed through Provincetown in 1926, the highway was signed along the rather narrow Commercial Street. After the Provincetown U.S. 6 bypass was built, congestion and the increasing size of automobiles forced the town to post most of Commercial Street (all but the easternmost mile that hits the Truro line) as one-way westbound. Route 6A, when signed, was placed along the paralleling Bradford Street instead. There was an alternate plan at the time to make Bradford one-way westbound and Commercial one-way eastbound (which would have made both roads Route 6A), but this was rejected, as the town decided instead to let incoming traffic through the heavy Commercial Street (almost entirely pedestrian) business district.Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts)
Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts...
between Route 105
Massachusetts Route 105
-Route description:Route 105 begins at U.S. Route 6 in Marion. The highway crosses over I-195 less than a mile into its journey. The highway winds in a westerly direction through Rochester. When the highway enters Long Plain village in Acushnet, the only town in Bristol County on the route, Route...
and Route 28; however, when I-195 was completed, and the I-195 designation took over that section of freeway, U.S. 6 reverted back to its older route.
Formerly, U.S. 6 took both sides along the Cape Cod canal (and was signed as "BYPASS 6"), but is now routed only on the north side (The south side
Sandwich Road (Bourne)
Sandwich Road is a two-lane state highway in Bourne, Massachusetts, United States, running from Bourne center east to Sandwich. It begins at a four-way intersection with Shore Road, County Road and Trowbridge Road in Bourne center; Waterhouse Road and Perry Avenue also once ended there...
is now signed "TO 6" from the Sagamore Bridge
Sagamore Bridge
The Sagamore Bridge in Sagamore, Massachusetts carries U.S. Route 6 across the Cape Cod Canal, connecting Cape Cod with the rest of Massachusetts, USA....
to the Bourne Bridge). However, a single "BYPASS 6" sign still exists just north of the Bourne Bridge rotary.
Seekonk to Bourne
| County | Location | Milepost | Roads Intersected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Bristol County, Massachusetts -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 534,678 people, 205,411 households, and 140,706 families residing in the county. The population density was 962 people per square mile . There were 216,918 housing units at an average density of 390 per square mile... |
Seekonk Seekonk, Massachusetts Seekonk is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, on the Massachusetts border. It was incorporated in 1812 from the western half of Rehoboth. The population was 13,722 at the 2010 census. Until 1862, the town of Seekonk also included what is now the City of East Providence, Rhode... |
0.00 | U.S. Route 6 U.S. Route 6 in Rhode Island U.S. Route 6 is a major east–west road in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Nationally, the route continues west to Bishop, California and east to Provincetown, Massachusetts. In western Rhode Island, it forms part of one of several routes between Hartford, Connecticut and Providence, Rhode... |
U.S. Route 6 continues westbound into East Providence, RI. |
| 0.8 |  Route 114 |
To  Interstate 195Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 1). To  RI Route 114. |
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| Swansea Swansea, Massachusetts Swansea is a town in Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts.It is located at the mouth of the Taunton River, just west of Fall River, 47 miles south of Boston; and 12 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.... |
4.7 |  Route 136Massachusetts Route 136 Route 136 is a south–north state highway entirely in Swansea, Massachusetts that is a continuation of R.I. Route 136, connecting that road with Exit 2 of I-195 after crossing Route 6... |
To I-195 Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 2). |
|
| 7.4 | Interstate 195 Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... |
I-195 Exit 3. | ||
| 7.8 |  Route 118 |
Southern terminus of Route 118. | ||
| Somerset Somerset, Massachusetts Somerset is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 18,234 at the 2000 census. It is the birthplace and hometown of Clifford Milburn Holland , the chief engineer and namesake of the Holland Tunnel in New York City.... |
11.1 |  Route 103Massachusetts Route 103 -Route description:Massachusetts Route 103 is a continuation of R.I. Route 103. It begins in Swansea at the Warren line, heading eastward as Wilbur Avenue. It crosses the Cole River before entering the village of Ocean Grove. As the route enters Somerset it crosses the Lees River, just east of...  Route 138 |
Eastern terminus of Route 103. Western terminus of US-6/Route 138 concurrency. |
|
| Fall River Fall River, Massachusetts Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located about south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and west of New Bedford and south of Taunton. The city's population was 88,857 during the 2010 census, making it the tenth largest city in... |
11.4 |  Route 79 Route 138 |
Eastern terminus of US-6/Route 138 concurrency. | |
| 13.5 |  Route 24(Amvets Highway) |
Route 24 Exit 5. | ||
| Westport Westport, Massachusetts Westport is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 15,532 at the 2010 census.The village of North Westport lies in the town.- History :... |
17.7 |  Route 88 |
To Interstate 195 Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 10). |
|
| 20.9 |  Route 177 |
Eastern terminus of Route 177. | ||
| New Bedford New Bedford, Massachusetts New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, located south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and about east of Fall River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts... |
25.6 |  Route 140(Taunton-New Bedford Expy.) |
Southern terminus of Route 140. To Interstate 195Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 13). |
|
| 27.5 |  Route 18 |
Southern terminus of Route 18. To Interstate 195Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 15). |
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| Fairhaven Fairhaven, Massachusetts Fairhaven is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located on the south coast of Massachusetts where the Acushnet River flows into Buzzards Bay, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean... |
29.8 |  Route 240Massachusetts Route 240 Route 240 is a short south–north state highway in southeastern Massachusetts.-Route description:Route 240 acts as a connector between U.S. Route 6 and I-195 in Fairhaven. There are ghost ramps at the northern end of the highway that suggest that Route 240 was intended to continue north of... |
Southern terminus of Route 240. To Interstate 195Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 18). |
|
| Plymouth Plymouth County, Massachusetts Plymouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of 2010, the population was 494,919. Its county seats are Plymouth and Brockton... |
Marion Marion, Massachusetts Marion is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,123 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on the village of Marion Center, please see the article Marion Center, Massachusetts.-History:... |
39.2 |  Route 105Massachusetts Route 105 -Route description:Route 105 begins at U.S. Route 6 in Marion. The highway crosses over I-195 less than a mile into its journey. The highway winds in a westerly direction through Rochester. When the highway enters Long Plain village in Acushnet, the only town in Bristol County on the route, Route... |
Southern terminus of Route 105. To Interstate 195Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts) Interstate 195 is an Interstate Highway running a combined 40.1 miles in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It travels from a junction with Interstate 95 in Providence, Rhode Island east to a junction with Interstate 495 and Route 25 in Wareham, Massachusetts... (Exit 20). |
| Wareham Wareham, Massachusetts Wareham is a town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 20,335, with an estimated 2008 population of 21,221.... |
45.7 |  Route 28 |
Western terminus of US-6/Route 28 concurrency. To  Route 25 (Exit 2). |
|
| Barnstable Barnstable County, Massachusetts Barnstable County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, consisting of Cape Cod and associated islands. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,902... |
Bourne Bourne, Massachusetts Bourne is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 18,721 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Bourne, please see the articles on Bourne , Buzzards Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore, and Sagamore... |
50.4 | Route 25 Route 28 |
Eastern terminus of US-6/Route 28 concurrency. Route 25 Exit 3. |
| 54.0 |  Route 3(Pilgrims Highway) |
Southern terminus of Route 3. Routes 3/6 Exits 1A-B. |
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| Mid-Cape Highway begins at the interchange with in Bourne. Refer to the Exit List below for interchanges. |
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Exit list (Bourne to Orleans freeway)
The westbound exit numbers in Sagamore are out of order: First is Exit 1C, then Exit 1A, then Exit 1B. On the eastbound side, Exits 1A-B are combined into one exit, with three exit only lanes and US-6 shrinking down to one lane. US-6 shrinks to one lane westbound too, after Exit 1B, before gaining three lanes again.| County | Location | Exit # | Mile | Route and destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Barnstable County, Massachusetts Barnstable County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, consisting of Cape Cod and associated islands. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,902... |
Bourne Bourne, Massachusetts Bourne is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 18,721 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Bourne, please see the articles on Bourne , Buzzards Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore, and Sagamore... |
1B | 54 | JCT Route 3 — Quincy Quincy, Massachusetts Quincy is a city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Its nicknames are "City of Presidents", "City of Legends", and "Birthplace of the American Dream". As a major part of Metropolitan Boston, Quincy is a member of Boston's Inner Core Committee for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council... , Boston Boston Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had... Sagamore Beach Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts Sagamore Beach is a village of Bourne, Massachusetts fronting Cape Cod Bay and the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. Along with Buzzards Bay, it is one of only two communities in Barnstable County that are north of the Cape Cod Canal.... |
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| 1A | 54 | Scusset Beach Road — Sagamore Beach Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts Sagamore Beach is a village of Bourne, Massachusetts fronting Cape Cod Bay and the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. Along with Buzzards Bay, it is one of only two communities in Barnstable County that are north of the Cape Cod Canal.... |
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| Sagamore Bridge Sagamore Bridge The Sagamore Bridge in Sagamore, Massachusetts carries U.S. Route 6 across the Cape Cod Canal, connecting Cape Cod with the rest of Massachusetts, USA.... (Cape Cod Canal Cape Cod Canal The Cape Cod Canal is an artificial waterway traversing the narrow neck of land that joins Cape Cod to mainland Massachusetts.Part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the canal is roughly 17.4 miles long and connects Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south... crossing) |
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| 1C | 54.8 |  Route 6A — SagamoreSagamore, Massachusetts Sagamore is a census-designated place in the town of Bourne in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,544 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Sagamore is located at .... |
Westbound ramps feed into old Sagamore Bridge approach (old US-6) |
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| Sandwich Sandwich, Massachusetts Sandwich is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 20,675 at the 2010 census. The Town Hall is located right next to the Dexter Grist Mill, in the historic district of town.... |
2 | 58.3 |  Route 130 — SandwichSandwich, Massachusetts Sandwich is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 20,675 at the 2010 census. The Town Hall is located right next to the Dexter Grist Mill, in the historic district of town.... , Mashpee Mashpee, Massachusetts Mashpee is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 14,006 as of 2010.For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Mashpee, please see the articles on Mashpee Neck, Monomoscoy Island, New Seabury, Popponesset, Popponesset Island,... |
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| 3 | 60.2 | Quaker Meetinghouse Road — East Sandwich East Sandwich, Massachusetts East Sandwich is a village and census-designated place within the town of Sandwich in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,720 at the 2000 census.-Geography:East Sandwich is located at .... |
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| 4 | 62.4 | Chase Road — East Sandwich East Sandwich, Massachusetts East Sandwich is a village and census-designated place within the town of Sandwich in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,720 at the 2000 census.-Geography:East Sandwich is located at .... , West Barnstable West Barnstable, Massachusetts West Barnstable is a village or section in the northwest part of the City of Barnstable, Massachusetts. Once devoted to agricultural pursuits, West Barnstable now is largely residential.-Natural features:... |
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| Barnstable Barnstable, Massachusetts Barnstable is a city, referred to as the Town of Barnstable, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and the county seat of Barnstable County. Barnstable is the largest community, both in land area and population, on Cape Cod. The town contains seven villages within its boundaries... |
5 | 64.8 |  Route 149Massachusetts Route 149 Route 149 is a short south–north highway on Cape Cod in southeastern Massachusetts.-Route description:The highway is located entirely in the Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts on Cape Cod... — Marstons Mills Marstons Mills, Massachusetts Marstons Mills is a village in the City of Barnstable, Massachusetts. It was founded by the Marston Family in 1648. They built grist mills along the Marstons Mills River, hence the name of the village. It is primarily residential, located on Route 28, and rural in nature... , West Barnstable West Barnstable, Massachusetts West Barnstable is a village or section in the northwest part of the City of Barnstable, Massachusetts. Once devoted to agricultural pursuits, West Barnstable now is largely residential.-Natural features:... |
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| 6 | 67.6 |  Route 132 — West BarnstableWest Barnstable, Massachusetts West Barnstable is a village or section in the northwest part of the City of Barnstable, Massachusetts. Once devoted to agricultural pursuits, West Barnstable now is largely residential.-Natural features:... , Hyannis Hyannis, Massachusetts Hyannis is the largest of seven villages in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Also it is the commercial and transportation hub of Cape Cod and was designated an urban area as a result of the 1990 census. Because of this, many refer to Hyannis as the "Capital of the Cape"... |
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| 6B | 70.9 | Mary Dunn Road — Hyannis Hyannis, Massachusetts Hyannis is the largest of seven villages in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Also it is the commercial and transportation hub of Cape Cod and was designated an urban area as a result of the 1990 census. Because of this, many refer to Hyannis as the "Capital of the Cape"... , Barnstable Barnstable, Massachusetts Barnstable is a city, referred to as the Town of Barnstable, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and the county seat of Barnstable County. Barnstable is the largest community, both in land area and population, on Cape Cod. The town contains seven villages within its boundaries... |
Proposed as 6½ to relieve congestion on exits 6 and 7 | ||
| Yarmouth Yarmouth, Massachusetts Yarmouth is a New England town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 24,807 at the 2000 census.... |
7 | 71.7 | Willow Street — Yarmouth Port Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts Yarmouth Port is a census-designated place in the town of Yarmouth in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,395 at the 2000 census... , West Yarmouth West Yarmouth, Massachusetts West Yarmouth is a census-designated place in the town of Yarmouth in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 6,460 at the 2000 census.- Geography :West Yarmouth is located at .... |
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| 8 | 74.0 | Union Street — Yarmouth Yarmouth, Massachusetts Yarmouth is a New England town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 24,807 at the 2000 census.... , Dennis Dennis, Massachusetts Dennis is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; located near the center of Cape Cod. The population was 14,207 at the 2010 census.The town encompasses five distinct villages, each of which has its own post office... |
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| Dennis Dennis, Massachusetts Dennis is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; located near the center of Cape Cod. The population was 14,207 at the 2010 census.The town encompasses five distinct villages, each of which has its own post office... |
9 | 77.2 |  Route 134 — Dennis PortDennis Port, Massachusetts Dennis Port is a census-designated place in the town of Dennis in Barnstable County, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. At the 2000 census, its population was 3,612.... , West Harwich West Harwich, Massachusetts West Harwich is a village in the town of Harwich, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, United States. West Harwich makes most of the population in the Northwest Harwich Census-designated place.-Geography:West Harwich is located at .... , Dennis Dennis, Massachusetts Dennis is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; located near the center of Cape Cod. The population was 14,207 at the 2010 census.The town encompasses five distinct villages, each of which has its own post office... |
Split into 9A and 9B | |
| Harwich Harwich, Massachusetts Harwich is a New England town on Cape Cod, in Barnstable County in the state of Massachusetts in the United States. Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The town is a popular vacation spot, located near the Cape Cod National Seashore. Harwich's beaches are on "the Sound side" of Cape... |
10 | 81.3 |  Route 124 — HarwichHarwich, Massachusetts Harwich is a New England town on Cape Cod, in Barnstable County in the state of Massachusetts in the United States. Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The town is a popular vacation spot, located near the Cape Cod National Seashore. Harwich's beaches are on "the Sound side" of Cape... , Brewster Brewster, Massachusetts Brewster is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population of Brewster was 9,820 at the 2010 census.Brewster is twinned with the town of Budleigh Salterton in the United Kingdom.... |
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| 11 | 83.8 |  Route 137 — BrewsterBrewster, Massachusetts Brewster is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population of Brewster was 9,820 at the 2010 census.Brewster is twinned with the town of Budleigh Salterton in the United Kingdom.... , Chatham Chatham, Massachusetts Chatham is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 6,625 at the 2000 census... |
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| Orleans Orleans, Massachusetts Orleans is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 5,890 at the 2010 census.... |
12 | 88.3 | Route 6A — Orleans Orleans, Massachusetts Orleans is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 5,890 at the 2010 census.... , East Brewster |
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| Orleans/Eastham Eastham, Massachusetts Eastham is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 5,453 at the 2000 census.... line |
(13) | 90.3 | JCT at Orleans Rotary U.S. Route 6 (west) — Barnstable, Bourne U.S. Route 6 (east) — Provincetown Route 28 — Chatham Route 6A — Brewster |
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Orleans to Provincetown
| County | Location | Mile | Roads intersected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Cape Highway ends at the Orleans Rotary intersection with on the Orleans/Eastham line. |
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| Barnstable Barnstable County, Massachusetts Barnstable County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, consisting of Cape Cod and associated islands. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,902... |
Orleans Orleans, Massachusetts Orleans is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 5,890 at the 2010 census.... |
90.6 | Route 6A |
Southern terminus of (unsigned) US-6/Route 6A concurrency. To Route 28. |
| Truro Truro, Massachusetts Truro is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, comprising two villages: Truro and North Truro. Located two hours outside Boston, it is a summer vacation community just south of the northern tip of Cape Cod, in an area known as the "Outer Cape"... |
109.4 | Route 6A |
Northern terminus of (unsigned) US-6/Route 6A concurrency. | |
| Provincetown Provincetown, Massachusetts Provincetown is a New England town located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,431 at the 2000 census, with an estimated 2007 population of 3,174... |
118.0 | Route 6A |
Northern terminus of Route 6A. Eastern terminus of U.S. Route 6. |
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The Orleans Rotary was once officially Exit 13. A sign labeling the turnoff to Routes 6A/28 once marked it as "Exit 13S", however the signage was removed in 1985.
There are also two freeway-style interchanges on the surface arterial portion in Truro
Truro, Massachusetts
Truro is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, comprising two villages: Truro and North Truro. Located two hours outside Boston, it is a summer vacation community just south of the northern tip of Cape Cod, in an area known as the "Outer Cape"...
. The first is near Mile 106 for the Pamet Roads, and the second is near Mile 110 for Highland Road. These exits are not numbered.
Suffixed routes
- Massachusetts Route 6A, alignment in Cape Cod of Route 6 prior to the construction of the freeway segment
Related routes
- Massachusetts Route 28, the original alignment of New England Route 3 in Cape Cod
- New England Interstate Route 3, the designation of US-6 (excluding the stretch from Bourne to Orleans) prior to 1926
New England Interstate Route 6, the designation of US-6 between Bourne and Orleans, as well as of U.S. Route 3U.S. Route 3U.S. Route 3 is a north–south United States highway that runs from its southern terminus in Cambridge, Massachusetts through New Hampshire to its terminus near Third Connecticut Lake at the Canadian border, where the road continues north as Quebec Route 257.In New Hampshire parts of US 3 are...
/Route 3 prior to 1926