Let’s hit the road for a scenic and practical cruise along Interstate 290, connecting the busy interchange in Auburn to the dynamic suburban hub of Marlborough, Massachusetts. This 21-mile stretch of highway isn’t just a commuter shortcut—it’s a convenient connector threading together classic New England cities, wooded hills, and a taste of Worcester’s urban pulse, all while linking major routes like I-90 and I-495.
We kick off our eastbound journey in Auburn, right where Interstate 290 branches away from the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) and U.S. Highway 20. This interchange can be a busy knot of traffic, but once we’re on I-290, things tend to open up quickly. Heading northeast, the highway climbs gently towards Worcester, Massachusetts’ second-largest city. It’s not long before we meet MA-146, which funnels traffic south toward the Rhode Island border and north into downtown Worcester. This interchange is an important pivot for both local and regional travel.
As we roll into Worcester proper, the city skyline—modest but proud—comes into view. Interstate 290 threads through the heart of the city, making it an important commuter corridor. We cruise past the exits for downtown attractions, like the DCU Center arena and Worcester Common, and soon cross over the busy junction with MA-9, a key east-west route that cuts through the city and leads out toward Shrewsbury. From the driver’s seat, you’ll notice the urban scenery gradually gives way to a more suburban feel as we steer past Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s neighborhood and follow signs for Interstate 190. I-190 splits north here, heading up toward Leominster and Fitchburg, while our route pivots more directly east.
Crossing Lake Quinsigamond is a brief but refreshing break from the cityscape. If you’re driving during early morning or sunset, the view of boats and the distant tree line across the water is a highlight worth a glance—though keep your eyes mostly on the road, of course! On the far side of the lake, I-290 quickly threads through a stretch of classic Massachusetts suburbia, with tree-lined shoulders and rolling hills that hint at the more wooded terrain to come.
Continuing east, we pass through the quieter towns of Shrewsbury and Northborough, dotted with suburban homes, local businesses, and patches of forest that make this corridor feel less industrial than you might expect from an urban interstate. Look out for the junction with MA-140, which leads south toward Grafton and north toward Boylston—handy routes if you’re exploring the surrounding area. This section of I-290 often feels like a well-kept secret: less congested than I-90, but just as direct if you’re aiming for Marlborough, I-495, or even points further east toward Boston.
The final stretch into Marlborough is a gentle cruise through low, wooded hills and residential pockets. This area is a favorite for commuters who work in Worcester but want easy access to Boston’s outer ring via Interstate 495. As we approach Marlborough, we see more commercial development and hotel signs appear—this part of town is known for tech companies and business parks, not to mention convenient shopping and dining options for travelers. We wrap up our drive where Interstate 290 concludes at its eastern terminus at the interchange with Interstate 495, Massachusetts’ outer beltway. From here, you can head north toward Lowell and New Hampshire or south toward Hopkinton and beyond.
🗺️ Route Map
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