Commissioned in 1969 or 1970 from SR 544 and SR 760. However, Route 287 wasn't numbered on the official state map until 1975.

If not for I-684...

Curiously enough, a one-mile segment of interstate highway in Greenwich had an indirect effect on Route 287's numbering.

In 1969, I-684 had opened, but as part of Interstate 87. To avoid a number conflict, Connecticut was preparing to renumber its own Route 87 to 287. When the change date arrived, however, New York was already seeking to change I-87 to I-684. Connecticut delayed its 87 to 287 change, and when I-684 was approved, it cancelled the change.

Shortly afterward, the 287 designation (probably fresh in DOT workers' minds) was used for today's route.

• "Roger Ierardi named resident state trooper." The Hartford Courant, May 1, 1969.
• "Action delayed on State Rt. 87 name change." The Hartford Courant, Aug. 8, 1969.
• "Rt. 87 to keep number." The Hartford Courant, Feb. 18, 1970.

• Newington Roads
• Route 287 Ends (Photos; Doug Kerr at state-ends.com)
• Route 287 - Google Maps