Abandoned Connecticut State Route 2

An ancient remnant that remains from the traveling days of yore, there is an abandoned section of old CT 2 that goes through what is now the Meshomasic State Forest (the largest in the State of Connecticut) in Glastonbury and Marlborough, two towns southeast of Hartford. Current CT 2 parallels this section through a notch in a ridge (between Exits 11 and 12), and it is the only section of the CT 2 Expressway without a fully serviceable service road. According to Owen McGaughey, "I don't think there was enough room for a highway and the old road. At the time, there was no need for the old road, but I think it would be nice to have it again as an alternate if there is an accident along that stretch of Route 2." Now, the bygone byway services the state forest and the Glastonbury Rifle Range. According to Scott Oglesby, "Bypassed on Oct. 15, 1964 by the CT 2 expressway, from CT 17 to exit 12, West Rd., Marlborough. Old Rt. 2 includes tail end of New London Tpke, Tollgate Road (previous CT 2 are bisected by new CT 2), and the abandoned section. Old CT 2 crosses CT 2 alignment again north of West Rd. and continues on Main St., which used to be called Old New London Tpke. until the late 1970s. At least one small aircraft has taken an emergency landing on Tollgate Rd." Here is a brief look at what is now abandoned CT 2.

A section of mixed dirt and worn away pavement. Today, no more than one car could fit here. A washed out section of road as trees begin to line the path. Close-up of the washed out section.

Older concrete section approaching the rifle range. Again at the washed out section. Looks like the road narrowed here. Grooved concrete pavement along the abandoned path.

View deep into the state forest. Looking towards the west towards the western entry of the state forest. Sign warning about the rifle range at the west end of the abandoned road.

Abandoned Connecticut State Route 2

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