A Winding Journey Through Northern Connecticut On Route 140

NORTHERN CONNECTICUT — Looking for a Sunday drive filled with diverse sights, including the beauty of nature and the hustle and bustle of commercial life? A ride along the 22.5 miles of Route 140, through five towns, will satisfy the viewing pleasures of most - but be prepared for a few twists and turns along the way.

Route 140 originates in full view of Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, works its way through several different shopping regions, crosses the Connecticut and Scantic rivers and an interstate highway, shares roadway with three other state routes, passes recreation areas such as a golf course, a forest, a large lake and a motor speedway, goes through Tolland for about one-tenth of a mile, and after some rural gazing, finally comes to a halt in the business district of downtown Stafford Springs.

Formerly known as State Highway 307, the state commissioned Route 140 in 1932, running from Route 75 in Windsor Locks to Route 83 in Ellington. After a few tweaks in the early 1960s, the route was extended to Stafford in 1963.

East Windsor First Selectman Jason Bowsza said, "There's so much opportunity along the Route 140 corridor, from the new and existing business activity in Warehouse Point and Sofia's Plaza, to historic spots such as the old Melrose School and bucolic farmscapes."

"Route 140 is 20 miles of scenic New England country road that meanders through some of Connecticut's most fertile farmlands and rural communities that remain mostly undisturbed by what interstate highway traffic can bring to an area," said Don DiFiore, who has lived on Crystal Lake Road in Elington for 31 years and is soon to open his second DiFiore Ravioli Shop on the corner of 140 and Route 83. "We're retreating from the hustle and bustle of the more urban areas."

Here are some facts and figures about Route 140:

• Towns: Windsor Locks, East Windsor, Ellington, Tolland, Stafford
• Other names: Elm St., Main St. (Windsor Locks); Bridge St., North Rd., Broad Brook Rd., Melrose Rd. (East Windsor); Sadds Mill Rd., Maple St., Somers Rd. (Ellington); Crystal Lake Rd. (Ellington/Tolland); Sandy Beach Rd. (Ellington); Charter Rd., Park St., Tolland Ave. (Stafford)
• Junctions: Windsor Locks - Route 75, Route 159; East Windsor - I-91, U.S. 5, Route 191; Ellington - Route 286, Route 83, Route 30; Stafford - Routes 190/32
• Landmarks: Bradley Apartments, Dexter Plaza, Montgomery Mill Apartments (Windsor Locks); World War I Veterans Memorial Bridge (Windsor Locks/East Windsor); Geissler's Plaza, Sofia's Restaurant, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Bassdale Plaza, The Mansions At Canyon Ridge (East Windsor); Rolling Meadows Country Club, Robert Tedford Memorial Park, St. Luke Church, Hall Memorial Library, Ellington Senior Center, Ellington High School, Ellington Depot, Crystal Lake Fire Department, Crystal Lake Elementary School, Crystal Lake (Ellington); Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford)

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