The Merritt Parkway construction in Connecticut began in the mid 1930s. The new parkway relieved traffic on a more heavily traveled road that was once a major mail route through the state. These photos show the history of this popular scenic byway in our state.

The Merritt Parkway was designed to relieve the heavily traveled Post Road (Route 1) in southern Connecticut. It begins in Greenwich on the New York Border and ends in Stratford where the Wilbur Cross Parkway begins.
Library of Congress/LC-USF34- 057640-D [P&P] LOT 1289
The parkway was created with passenger cars in mind. Vehicles with more than four wheels, over eight feet tall, or towing a trailer are prohibited from using the roadway.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-WESPO,12--10
Merritt Parkway Construction began in July of 1934 and by June of 1938 the first 17.5 miles of the parkway were open to be traveled by the public.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,2--75
The Merritt was designed as a scenic thoroughfare. Great attention was given to the landscaping around the parkway and bridges spanning the road.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,2--78
There are 69 uniquely designed bridges that support roads that cross over the parkway.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,11--5
George Dunkelberger, highway architect, designed the exterior of the bridges.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-WESPO,9--2
Many were created in an art deco style with extraordinary attention to detail.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,11--2
The scenic roadway has gentle slopes and curves that were designed for a speed of 45 miles per hour at the time of construction.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-NECA,5--5
The parkway blends with the natural topography of the area and has been celebrated for its innovative design.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,2--31
The first tolls on the parkway were collected in 1939 at temporary toll booths.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,2--79
Over time, the Merritt Parkway has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, named as a State Scenic Road, and named as a National Scenic Byway.
Library of Congress/HAER CONN,1-GREWI,2--32

Have you ever seen these photos of the Merritt Parkway construction? If you enjoy browsing old photos from our state, take a peek at these photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Connecticut