The End of the Mysterious

Hingham MA 53-228 Multiplex?

Where one can still go in two directions without turning around

Route 228 Begins at Exit 14 of Massachusetts (MA) Route 3 (the 'shield replica' green signs are the new MassHighway style that are going up along Route 3 which is undergoing a re-signing project due to be completed by the end of September).

It's route takes it along Hingham Street in Rockland and the a short jaunt through Norwell on Pond Street. MA 228 then soon comes to the intersection of MA 53, known locally as Queen Anne's Corner. This is the view of the signage one sees going north on 228 (though the signage was put up about the same time as the previous signage notice that it resembles an older design that shows that this contract was let a few years earlier and was delayed for a time):

As the sign implies (and from the 228 sign you can somewhat see on the right above the Taylor Rental truck), North 228 goes straight through the intersection entering Hingham where it becomes Main Street.

As does the signage going north on Route 53 which indicates Route 228 South goes straight through the intersection toward Rockland:

However, until the Fall of 2007 proceeding south on Main Street toward the Route 53 intersection on South 228 one saw the following signage:

Which said traffic to stay on South 228 should take a right on Whiting Street (Route 53 North). (Photo taken June 2007).

This sign however was taken down at the conclusion of the Queen Anne's Corner reconstruction project and replaced with a large 'Junction MA 53' sign, the Mass. Green signs at the corner now resemble those going south on 228. And for the first time...

A South MA 228 appears on Pond Street.

However, still about 3/4 of a mile further down 53 North one sees still sees this sign:

And then suddenly you are no longer on South 228, but...

Going left on Route 228 North when you get to the intersection, there's even a North 228 shield after the intersection that confirms the direction switch:

If you turn around and proceeding back toward the Route 53 intersection the other way here are the signs you see...

You are still back on Route 228 South now. These signs are quickly followed by these confirmation shields seen below after the intersection. (On a historic note, this was the original end of Boston's circumferential highway, Route 128. The 128 route though was soon extended to Nantasket Beach in Hull soon after the circumferential route was completed).

After a mile though, here's though what you see signwise approaching Main Street on MA 53 South...

You'll notice the again that the signs on Route 53 North indicate Route 228 South now goes straight through the intersection, even though the previous signs still indicate you are already on 228 South.

I am assuming that eventually MassHighway will change the signs at Derby Street and Route 53. If anyone gets down to the area and sees this, please let me know at rmalme-at-duke.edu

Back to photo page.

Site Created: September 26, 2007.
Site updated: January 10, 2008.