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Massachusetts Route 128 was originally designated as the 'Circumferential Highway' in 1927.
Answer: True
Route 128 was indeed designated in 1927 as the 'Circumferential Highway,' marking the initial conceptualization of this major roadway.
The first segment of the modern Route 128 freeway opened in 1960, completing the circumferential highway.
Answer: False
The initial segment of the modern Route 128 freeway opened in 1951. The completion of the circumferential highway occurred later, but the 1960 opening did not represent the final completion of the entire route.
In 1933, the completed Circumferential Highway was largely designated as Route 128, with no segments becoming part of other routes or local roads.
Answer: False
By 1933, the Circumferential Highway was completed, and most of it was designated Route 128. However, some segments were left unnumbered, became part of other routes (like Route 135), or were later absorbed into the modern freeway or became local roads.
The 1928 extension of Route 128 into Quincy followed Washington Street, Hancock Street, and Adams Street.
Answer: True
The 1928 extension of Route 128 into Quincy utilized existing roadways, including Washington Street, Hancock Street, and Adams Street.
In Waltham, the original 1927 Route 128 alignment followed only Main Street.
Answer: False
The original 1927 alignment of Route 128 in Waltham included several streets, such as High Street, Newton Street, Main Street, and Lexington Street, not solely Main Street.
The widening of Route 128 from four to six lanes by 1958 was a response to early traffic congestion caused by businesses locating along it.
Answer: True
The widening of Route 128 from four to six lanes by 1958 was undertaken due to increasing traffic congestion, which was already becoming apparent as businesses, particularly technology firms, began locating along the route.
The original 1927 Route 128 alignment in Dedham included only Milton Street.
Answer: False
The original 1927 alignment of Route 128 in Dedham followed multiple streets, including Milton Street, High Street, Common Street, and West Street, not exclusively Milton Street.
When did the first segment of the modern Route 128 freeway open?
Answer: 1951
The initial segment of the modern Route 128 freeway was opened in 1951, marking the beginning of its transformation into a major highway.
Which of the following roads was part of the original 1927 Route 128 alignment in Dedham?
Answer: Common Street
The original 1927 alignment of Route 128 in Dedham included Common Street, among other local roads like Milton Street, High Street, and West Street.
What was the purpose of the 1958 decision to widen Route 128 from four to six lanes?
Answer: To accommodate the increasing number of technology companies locating along the route.
The decision in 1958 to widen Route 128 from four to six lanes was a direct response to the growing traffic congestion caused by the increasing number of technology companies establishing operations along the highway.
Route 128 runs concurrently with Interstate 95 for approximately 37.5 miles as it encircles Boston.
Answer: True
Route 128 shares a significant concurrency with Interstate 95, spanning roughly 37.5 miles as it forms a major part of the Boston metropolitan beltway.
Before the 1990s, Route 128's southern terminus was located in Canton at the junction of I-93 and I-95.
Answer: False
Prior to the 1990s, Route 128's southern terminus was in Braintree at the Braintree Split, the junction of I-93, US 1, and Route 3.
Route 128 shares a 'wrong-way' concurrency with US Route 1 near its southern end in Canton.
Answer: True
Near its southern terminus in Canton, Route 128 engages in a 'wrong-way' concurrency with US Route 1, where Route 128 and I-95 are signed northbound while US 1 is signed southbound along the same roadway.
The decision to route I-95 onto Route 128 resulted in the abandonment of plans to extend US Route 3 as a freeway towards Route 2.
Answer: True
The decision to integrate I-95 with Route 128 led to the cancellation of proposed freeway extensions for US Route 3, consequently rerouting US 3 onto the Route 128 corridor.
Route 128 was concurrently designated along the Southeast Expressway from 1960 until 1967.
Answer: True
From 1960 to 1967, Route 128 was concurrently designated along a segment of the Southeast Expressway. This concurrency ended when policy changes led to its redesignation as Route 228.
After the freeway construction, original Route 128 alignments were universally preserved as drivable routes in all towns.
Answer: False
Following the construction of the modern freeway, segments of the original Route 128 alignments were often removed from designation, closed, or repurposed as local streets, meaning they were not universally preserved.
The Route 128 designation was restored on the I-95 segment primarily due to federal highway policy changes.
Answer: False
The restoration of the Route 128 designation on the I-95 segment was influenced by public recognition, notably the naming of a major commuter rail station as 'Route 128,' rather than federal policy changes.
In 1965, a non-freeway section of Route 128 was redesignated as Route 228 to comply with a single-route number policy.
Answer: True
In 1965, a segment of Route 128 that was not a freeway was redesignated as Route 228 to adhere to a policy limiting roads to a single route number, also reversing its directional designation.
The provision for a fourth lane in the median during the 1960s reconstruction was intended for immediate traffic relief.
Answer: False
The provision for a fourth lane in the median during the 1960s reconstruction was made with foresight to accommodate future widening projects, such as the 'Add-A-Lane' project, rather than for immediate traffic relief.
The 'Concurrency terminus' notation indicates the point where Route 128 begins its shared path with I-95.
Answer: False
The 'Concurrency terminus' notation signifies the point where a route's shared path with another highway either begins or ends, not exclusively the beginning of a shared path.
Route 128's designation was restored on the I-95 segment partly because a major commuter rail station in Canton is named 'Route 128'.
Answer: True
The restoration of the Route 128 designation on the I-95 segment was influenced by public recognition, notably the naming of a major commuter rail station in Canton as 'Route 128,' which underscored the designation's local importance.
What was the purpose of the 1965 redesignation of a segment of Route 128 as Route 228?
Answer: To comply with a policy limiting roads to a single route number.
In 1965, a segment of Route 128 was redesignated as Route 228 to adhere to a policy that limited roads to a single route number, thereby simplifying designations.
For how many miles does Route 128 run concurrently with Interstate 95?
Answer: Approximately 37.5 miles
Route 128 runs concurrently with Interstate 95 for a significant stretch of approximately 37.5 miles as it encircles the Boston metropolitan area.
Before the 1990s, what was the southern terminus of Route 128?
Answer: Braintree, at the Braintree Split (junction of I-93, US 1, Route 3).
Prior to the 1990s, the southern terminus of Route 128 was located in Braintree at the Braintree Split, where it intersected with I-93, US 1, and Route 3.
How did the decision to route I-95 onto Route 128 affect US Route 3?
Answer: US Route 3's planned freeway extension was abandoned, causing it to be rerouted onto Route 128.
The decision to route I-95 onto the Route 128 corridor led to the abandonment of plans for a freeway extension of US Route 3, resulting in its rerouting onto Route 128.
Why was the Route 128 designation restored on the segment shared with I-95?
Answer: Due to public protest and the naming of a local train station 'Route 128'.
The Route 128 designation was restored on the I-95 segment partly due to public recognition and the naming of a significant local train station as 'Route 128,' highlighting the designation's local relevance.
What happened to segments of the original Route 128 alignment after the modern freeway was built?
Answer: They were removed from designation, closed, or became local streets.
Following the construction of the modern freeway, portions of the original Route 128 alignment were often removed from designation, closed, or converted into local streets, disrupting its original continuity.
What was the purpose of the provision for a fourth lane in the median during the 1960s reconstruction of Route 128?
Answer: To accommodate future widening projects like 'Add-A-Lane'.
The provision for a fourth lane in the median during the 1960s reconstruction was a forward-thinking measure to facilitate future capacity enhancements, such as the 'Add-A-Lane' project.
What does the source suggest about the original Route 128 alignment after the freeway was built?
Answer: Segments were removed, closed, or became local streets, making the original route non-contiguous.
Following the construction of the modern freeway, segments of the original Route 128 alignment were often removed, closed, or repurposed as local streets, resulting in a non-contiguous original route.
Route 128 is culturally recognized as a boundary between Boston's inner and outer suburbs and is linked to the high-technology industry.
Answer: True
Route 128 is culturally significant as a demarcation between Boston's inner and outer suburbs and is historically associated with the development of a major high-technology corridor.
The term 'Magic Semicircle' was used in a 1955 Business Week article to describe Route 128's economic impact.
Answer: True
A 1955 Business Week article coined the term 'Magic Semicircle' to highlight the significant economic growth and regional transformation fostered by Route 128.
Between 1957 and 1973, the number of companies located along Route 128 decreased significantly.
Answer: False
Contrary to a decrease, the number of companies along Route 128 increased substantially between 1957 and 1973, growing from 99 to 1,212, reflecting its rise as a major business center.
Gerald W. Blakeley Jr. was a government official responsible for planning Route 128's high-tech corridor.
Answer: False
Gerald W. Blakeley Jr. was a real estate developer, not a government official, who played a key role by marketing office parks to technology companies along Route 128, contributing to its development as a tech hub.
In the 1980s, the Route 128 area was frequently compared to California's Silicon Valley due to its tech industry concentration.
Answer: True
The concentration of technology firms along Route 128 in the 1980s led to frequent comparisons with Silicon Valley, California, highlighting its status as a major center for innovation and economic growth.
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' economic boom of the 1980s was largely independent of the high-technology industry along Route 128.
Answer: False
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' of the 1980s was significantly fueled by the growth of the high-technology industry that had flourished along Route 128, making the two phenomena closely linked.
The development of high-technology firms along Route 128 primarily occurred in the 1950s.
Answer: False
While Route 128 was built in the 1950s, its evolution into a major high-technology hub primarily took place from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Route 128 evolved into a major center for high-technology industries from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Answer: True
From the 1960s onward, Route 128 transformed into a significant hub for high-technology industries, shaping the region's economic landscape and identity.
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' refers to the economic downturn experienced in the state during the 1980s.
Answer: False
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' denotes the period of significant economic growth and prosperity experienced by the state in the 1980s, largely driven by the technology sector.
What was the 'Massachusetts Miracle' in the context of Route 128?
Answer: The economic growth in the 1980s fueled by the Route 128 tech industry.
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' refers to the economic prosperity of the 1980s, which was significantly driven by the thriving high-technology industry concentrated along Route 128.
What cultural and economic significance is attributed to Route 128?
Answer: It serves as a boundary between inner and outer suburbs and is linked to the high-technology industry.
Route 128 holds cultural significance as a boundary between Boston's inner and outer suburbs and is economically linked to the development of the high-technology industry along its corridor.
The term 'Magic Semicircle' used by Business Week in 1955 highlighted what aspect of Route 128?
Answer: Its role in fostering economic growth and regional transformation.
The term 'Magic Semicircle,' used by Business Week in 1955, emphasized Route 128's profound impact on fostering economic growth and transforming the region.
How did the number of companies located along Route 128 change between 1957 and 1973?
Answer: It increased from 99 to 1,212.
Between 1957 and 1973, the number of companies situated along Route 128 saw a dramatic increase, growing from 99 to 1,212, reflecting its development as a major business corridor.
Who was Gerald W. Blakeley Jr. and what was his contribution to Route 128's development?
Answer: A real estate developer who marketed office parks to technology companies along the route.
Gerald W. Blakeley Jr. was a real estate developer instrumental in Route 128's growth, as he marketed suburban office parks specifically to technology companies, fostering the area's high-tech identity.
In the 1980s, the concentration of technology firms along Route 128 led to comparisons with which other major tech hub?
Answer: Silicon Valley, California
During the 1980s, the significant concentration of technology firms along Route 128 led to frequent comparisons with Silicon Valley, California, recognizing its parallel role as a major technological center.
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' of the 1980s is described as being significantly fueled by what?
Answer: The high-technology industry along Route 128.
The 'Massachusetts Miracle' economic boom of the 1980s was substantially driven by the growth and success of the high-technology industry that had established itself along the Route 128 corridor.
What was the historical significance of Gerald W. Blakeley Jr.'s role concerning Route 128?
Answer: He was a developer who marketed office parks to tech companies along the route.
Gerald W. Blakeley Jr.'s historical significance lies in his role as a developer who actively marketed office parks to technology companies along Route 128, contributing to its development as a tech hub.
Route 128 is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
Answer: True
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of Route 128, as it is for most state highways.
Route 128 is approximately 57 miles long and serves as the outer beltway around Boston, with I-495 being the inner beltway.
Answer: False
Route 128 is approximately 57 miles long and functions as the inner beltway encircling Boston. Interstate 495 serves as the outer beltway.
The current southern terminus of Route 128 is located in Gloucester, near the Atlantic Ocean.
Answer: False
The current southern terminus of Route 128 is in Canton, at the junction of I-93 and I-95. Gloucester is the northern terminus.
The entire length of Route 128 is classified as a freeway with controlled access.
Answer: False
While the majority of Route 128 is classified as a freeway with controlled access, its northernmost section near Gloucester is designated as an expressway, featuring less controlled access points.
The interchange in Canton known as 'Dead Man's Curve' was designed to handle high-speed traffic efficiently.
Answer: False
The interchange in Canton, nicknamed 'Dead Man's Curve,' is a tight cloverleaf known for its sharp curves, which have led to vehicle rollovers, indicating it was not designed for efficient high-speed traffic.
The northern section of Route 128 near Gloucester features numerous complex, multi-level interchanges similar to major freeways.
Answer: False
The northern section of Route 128, particularly near Gloucester, transitions to an expressway and includes at-grade intersections and rotaries, rather than complex, multi-level freeway interchanges.
Massachusetts Route 128 primarily traverses Middlesex, Suffolk, and Essex counties.
Answer: False
Massachusetts Route 128 primarily traverses Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties. Suffolk County is not directly traversed by Route 128.
Route 128's exit numbering system has remained unchanged since its initial construction.
Answer: False
The exit numbering system for Route 128 has undergone changes over time, particularly with its concurrency with Interstate highways and the implementation of a statewide mileage-based system in 2021.
The interchange between Route 128 and I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) in Weston only uses electronic toll collection for westbound access.
Answer: True
The interchange at Route 128 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Weston features electronic toll collection specifically for access to I-90 westbound.
The northernmost section of Route 128 in Gloucester terminates at a major freeway interchange with Route 127.
Answer: False
The northernmost section of Route 128 in Gloucester terminates at at-grade intersections with Route 127 and Route 127A, not a major freeway interchange.
'Dead Man's Curve' is a nickname for an interchange on Route 128 known for its gentle curves and safety record.
Answer: False
'Dead Man's Curve' is the nickname for a tight cloverleaf interchange in Canton, known for its sharp curves and associated safety hazards, not for gentle curves or a good safety record.
MassDOT replaced all signage along Route 128 between 1998 and 2011 with a consistent, original numbering system.
Answer: False
MassDOT undertook signage replacement projects along Route 128, but these involved updating and standardizing signage, not necessarily reverting to a consistent original numbering system, especially given the route's integration with other highway designations.
The 'old exit' numbers mentioned in the exit list refer to a system based on geographical landmarks.
Answer: False
The 'old exit' numbers refer to a previous numbering system used before the implementation of mileage-based exit numbers, which replaced older sequential or landmark-based systems.
The 'Incomplete access' notation means an interchange allows entry and exit in all directions but requires a special pass.
Answer: False
The 'Incomplete access' notation signifies that an interchange does not provide full access in all directions; it does not imply the requirement of a special pass.
The interchange between Route 128 and Route 2 in Lexington is signed as exits 127A-B on Route 128.
Answer: False
The interchange between Route 128 and Route 2 in Lexington is signed as exits 45A-B on Route 128 (which is concurrent with I-95) and exits 127A-B on Route 2.
The northernmost section of Route 128, near Gloucester, is entirely an expressway with controlled access.
Answer: False
The northernmost section of Route 128 near Gloucester transitions to an expressway and features at-grade intersections and rotaries, indicating less controlled access compared to a full freeway.
The interchange between Route 128 and I-90 in Weston has electronic toll collection for all directions of I-90 access.
Answer: False
The interchange between Route 128 and I-90 in Weston features electronic toll collection exclusively for access to I-90 westbound, not for all directions.
What is the approximate length of Route 128, and how does it compare to I-495 in terms of Boston beltways?
Answer: Approximately 57 miles; it is the inner beltway.
Route 128 spans approximately 57 miles and functions as the inner beltway encircling Boston, while I-495 serves as the outer beltway.
Where is the current northern terminus of Route 128 located?
Answer: Gloucester, near the Atlantic Ocean.
The current northern terminus of Massachusetts Route 128 is situated in Gloucester, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.
Which statement best describes the classification of Route 128?
Answer: The majority is a freeway, but the northernmost section is an expressway.
The classification of Route 128 varies; while most of it operates as a freeway with controlled access, the northernmost portion is designated as an expressway.
What traffic-related problem is specifically mentioned regarding the interchange in Canton where I-95 joins Route 128?
Answer: A tight cloverleaf interchange nicknamed 'Dead Man's Curve' causing rollovers.
The interchange in Canton where I-95 joins Route 128 is noted for its tight cloverleaf design, nicknamed 'Dead Man's Curve,' which has been associated with vehicle rollovers due to its sharp curves.
What characterizes the northern section of Route 128 near Gloucester?
Answer: It features at-grade intersections and rotaries, indicating less controlled access.
The northern section of Route 128 near Gloucester transitions to an expressway and includes at-grade intersections and rotaries, signifying a reduction in controlled access compared to the freeway sections.
Which of the following counties is NOT listed as being traversed by Massachusetts Route 128?
Answer: Suffolk
Massachusetts Route 128 primarily traverses Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties. Suffolk County is not directly on the Route 128 alignment.
What significant change occurred regarding Route 128's exit numbering system in 2021?
Answer: A statewide mileage-based exit numbering system was implemented.
In 2021, Massachusetts implemented a statewide mileage-based exit numbering system, which also affected Route 128, replacing previous numbering conventions.
What is unique about the interchange between Route 128 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Weston?
Answer: It features electronic toll collection exclusively for westbound I-90 access.
The interchange between Route 128 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Weston is notable for its electronic toll collection system, which is applied exclusively to access I-90 westbound.
What issue arose from the tight cloverleaf interchange in Canton, nicknamed 'Dead Man's Curve'?
Answer: It led to frequent vehicle rollovers due to its sharp curves.
The tight cloverleaf interchange in Canton, known as 'Dead Man's Curve,' presented a safety issue due to its sharp curves, which contributed to frequent vehicle rollovers.
What is the nature of the interchange between Route 128 and I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) in Weston?
Answer: It features electronic toll collection only for access to I-90 westbound.
The interchange connecting Route 128 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Weston is characterized by electronic toll collection, specifically for access to I-90 westbound.
What does the 'Incomplete access' notation in the exit list signify?
Answer: The interchange only allows entry or exit in specific directions.
The 'Incomplete access' notation indicates that an interchange does not provide full access in all directions, meaning entry or exit may be restricted to certain movements.
The 1970 Boston Transportation Planning Review led to the cancellation of plans for new expressways through downtown Boston.
Answer: True
The 1970 Boston Transportation Planning Review recommended prioritizing public transit over new highway construction, resulting in the cancellation of several planned expressways through downtown Boston.
Studies conducted between 2005 and 2010 for the Route 128/I-95 corridor focused solely on adding more general traffic lanes.
Answer: False
Studies for the Route 128/I-95 corridor between 2005 and 2010 considered various improvements beyond general traffic lanes, including HOV lanes, ramp metering, bus-on-shoulder strategies, and shoulder reconstruction.
The western portion of Route 128 was officially designated 'America's Technology Highway' in October 1982.
Answer: True
In October 1982, the western section of Route 128 received the official designation 'America's Technology Highway' to recognize its prominence in the technology sector.
The 'Add-A-Lane' project on Route 128/I-95 aimed to reduce the number of lanes from eight to six.
Answer: False
The 'Add-A-Lane' project was designed to increase capacity by widening sections of Route 128/I-95 from six lanes to eight lanes, not to reduce them.
The 'Yankee Division Highway' name honors a U.S. Navy unit formed in Boston.
Answer: False
The 'Yankee Division Highway' designation honors the U.S. Army's 26th Infantry Division, which was first formed in Boston in 1917.
A photograph exists showing cars stuck in snow on Route 128 during the 'Blizzard of '78'.
Answer: True
A photograph documented cars stranded in snow on Route 128 near Needham during the severe 'Blizzard of '78,' illustrating the impact of extreme weather on the highway.
The mathematical concept of 'routons' was named after Route 128 by a mathematician in 2002.
Answer: True
In 2002, mathematician Robert P. C. de Marrais named 'routons,' a type of 128-dimensional hypercomplex number, in honor of Massachusetts Route 128.
The 'Yankee Division Highway' designation was applied in 1941 to honor a U.S. Army unit.
Answer: True
The 'Yankee Division Highway' designation was officially applied in 1941 to honor the U.S. Army's 26th Infantry Division, which had historical ties to Massachusetts.
The 'Add-A-Lane' project involved widening Route 128/I-95 from six lanes to eight lanes.
Answer: True
The 'Add-A-Lane' project was a significant undertaking aimed at increasing the capacity of Route 128/I-95 by widening sections from six lanes to eight lanes, alongside other infrastructure improvements.
Route 128 is known as the Yankee Division Highway, honoring a U.S. Army unit first formed in Boston in what year?
Answer: True
Route 128 is designated the Yankee Division Highway, a name honoring the U.S. Army's 26th Infantry Division, which was first formed in Boston in 1917.
What is the significance of the 'Yankee Division Highway' designation?
Answer: It honors a U.S. Army unit and reflects the highway's historical significance.
The 'Yankee Division Highway' designation honors a U.S. Army unit, reflecting the highway's historical context and importance beyond its functional role.
What is Massachusetts Route 128 primarily known as, and who maintains it?
Answer: The Yankee Division Highway, maintained by MassDOT.
Massachusetts Route 128 is primarily known as the Yankee Division Highway and is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
What was a major consequence of the 1970 Boston Transportation Planning Review regarding highway construction?
Answer: New expressways through downtown Boston were cancelled in favor of public transit.
A significant outcome of the 1970 Boston Transportation Planning Review was the cancellation of plans for new expressways through downtown Boston, with a greater emphasis placed on public transportation development.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a potential improvement studied for the Route 128/I-95 corridor between 2005-2010?
Answer: Constructing new parallel local roads.
Studies for the Route 128/I-95 corridor between 2005-2010 examined improvements like ramp metering, HOV lanes, and bus-on-shoulder strategies, but constructing new parallel local roads was not among the listed potential improvements.
What official designation was given to the western portion of Route 128 in October 1982?
Answer: America's Technology Highway
In October 1982, the western portion of Route 128 was officially designated 'America's Technology Highway' to acknowledge its importance as a center for technological development.
What was the primary goal of the 'Add-A-Lane' project on Route 128/I-95?
Answer: To widen sections from six to eight lanes, replace bridges, and improve traffic flow.
The primary objective of the 'Add-A-Lane' project was to enhance traffic flow and capacity by widening sections of Route 128/I-95 from six to eight lanes and undertaking necessary bridge replacements.
The name 'Yankee Division Highway' honors which entity?
Answer: The U.S. Army's 26th Infantry Division.
The designation 'Yankee Division Highway' honors the U.S. Army's 26th Infantry Division, reflecting a historical connection to the region.
The designation 'America's Technology Highway' was later changed to 'America's Technology Region' due to what?
Answer: Complaints from veterans groups about the original signage.
The designation 'America's Technology Highway' was later altered to 'America's Technology Region' partly in response to complaints from veterans groups regarding the original signage.
The KML file mentioned in the external links section is used for tracking traffic flow on Route 128.
Answer: False
A KML (Keyhole Markup Language) file is typically used for displaying geographic data on mapping software, facilitating visualization of the route's path, rather than for real-time traffic flow tracking.
The bibliography primarily focuses on Route 128's role in urban planning and traffic management.
Answer: False
The bibliography suggests a primary focus on Route 128's economic and cultural impact, particularly its role as a high-technology corridor and its comparison to Silicon Valley, rather than solely urban planning and traffic management.
What does the bibliography suggest about the historical focus of research concerning Route 128?
Answer: True
The bibliography indicates that historical research on Route 128 predominantly focuses on its role in the development of the high-technology industry, its economic and cultural impact, and comparisons to Silicon Valley.
What does the bibliography suggest is the primary historical focus of research on Route 128?
Answer: Its comparison to Silicon Valley and its economic/cultural impact.
The bibliography indicates that research on Route 128 primarily centers on its comparison to Silicon Valley and its significant economic and cultural impact, rather than solely its early development or engineering aspects.