Commissioned in 1933 or 1934, slightly after the Great Renumbering, Route 16 picked up some miles from the old Route 171. It originally ran from Route 66 to Route 85 in Colchester. In 1963, it was extended to Lebanon, absorbing the old "secret route" SR 658.

The state plans to realign routes 85 and 16 in central Colchester, encroaching on part of the town green. Though some grass would be paved over, the green would be extended in another portion, leaving the town with a net gain of about 25 square meters.

Renumber Routes 190 and 197 as the new Route 16; then it would seamlessly flow into MA 16 and be a substantial route.

Extend Route 138 numbering westward along present-day Routes 207 and 16 to end at Route 66 in East Hampton.

"Route 16" is the title of a 1981 arcade game (see screenshot). I have to say I can't see the resemblance.

Screenshot of 1981 arcade game "Route 16", courtesy of www.mame.net.

"Veterans concerned about green: town says road project won't harm memorial site." Hartford Courant, Nov. 10, 2000.