A Conversation for Merritt Parkway, Connecticut, USA
Important and interesting fact
froopyscot Started conversation Aug 31, 2001
It is important and interesting to note that the Merritt Parkway was also the first limited-access highway in the U.S., and pre-dates the U.S. Interstate Highway system by at least 20 years. The speed limit was originally 30 m.p.h., and many of the roadway's current problems are caused by its having become a main New York City commuter thoroughfare rather than what it was originally intended for (that is, a parkway, for a scenic leisurely drive through the countryside).
It is also interesting to note that the road, as Mr. Merritt designed it, specified that each of the bridges (in particular, the overpasses where local roads cross over the parkway) are different in design and construction. When originally constructed, no two bridges were alike. This feature of the roadway has not survived the beurocracy of the Connecticut State Department of Transportation, which tends to replace the aging bridges with identical concrete monstrosities when they do actually need repair.
(The Connecticut State Department of Transportation is the same organization responsible for the maintenance of another notable bridge on Interstate 95 crossing the Mianus River in Greenwich, which, due to ignorant repair work, rusted structurally and collapsed into the water below, killing several unsuspecting motorists.)
Hope this lends some insight to this entry.
-s.
(Originally from Connecticut, living in Boston)
Important and interesting fact
Great Scott Posted Jan 15, 2002
Regarding the parenthetical about ConnDOT -- that's not completely fair. The Mianus River Bridge fell some 18 years ago (1983). Since then, Connecticut's major highways and interstates have gone through major rebuilding and improvements, led by ConnDOT. Now, of course, they were helped by the imposition of major new motor vehicle fees and taxes (including what was the highest gasoline tax in the country for a while, but it has been lowered in recent times) that went into a highway maintenance fund. It has also let to a reputation that all of Connecticut's highways are also under constant construction, which isn't completely fair either -- only *some* of CT's highways are under construction at any given time, it just *feels* like they are all under construction, especially when you get into the commute rush hours. During Rush Hour, which usually lasts from 6-9AM and 3-7PM, the Merritt Parkway is usually known as the Merritt Parking Lot.
(Currently living in Southern Connecticut)
Important and interesting fact
Sirona ( 1x7-4+(7x6)-(sqrt9) = 42 ) Posted Jul 1, 2002
You failed to mention, as well, that the Meritt Parkway was constructed as a Public Works project during the great depression. You know, all that stuff part of Roosevelt's "New Deal". And, you make it seem like those few towns listed are the only ones through which the Meritt parkway passes, but you left out my hometown. ^.^
~Sirona, of Southern Connecticut
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