Built in the early 1960s and opened on October 24, 1962,[2] the Lowell Connector is located along the re-channelled River Meadow (or Hales) Brook.

However, there are no records indicating that this designation was ever approved by either the Bureau of Public Roads (now FHWA) or the American Association of State Highway Officials (now AASHTO).

At the time, Lowell had one of the lowest incidences of seatbelt use in Massachusetts, which contributed to the high injury and death rates.

[9] After three people died on the highway in 2005, MassDOT added median guardrails and multiple flashing warning signs giving the exact distance to the end of the road.

[10] In addition, the terminus features two flashing (strobe) stoplights and a metal railing, protecting the property at the opposite end of the intersection.