 This new freeway was designated as a memorial for Suffolk County War Veterans.The route was designed and constructed by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works under watch and aid from the New York State Department of Public Works and the United States government.Upon completion in January 1950, the route was designated as County Route 76 (CR 76) west of Town Line Road and CR 78 southeast of Town Line Road until 1968 when the entire highway was designated CR 78.