The original plan for Interstate 91 – detailed in the "1953 Master Highway Plan for the Springfield, Massachusetts, Metropolitan Area" – called for Interstate 91 to occupy an enlarged U.S. Route 5 in West Springfield – the route which had, historically, been used to reach West Springfield and Springfield from both the north and the south. Between 1953 and 1958, Riverdale Road was widened in places, added on to, and numerous businesses were closed and moved back, or to other parts of West Springfield to make way for Interstate 91, which was planned to connect with Springfield via numerous bridges. The original plan for I-91 would have likely benefitted West Springfield, which already had U.S. 5 passing through, causing travelers to patronize many of West Springfield's businesses.