Connecticut's Merritt Parkway Is a Scenic Drive with a Wild Past

The Merritt Parkway, built as a scenic alternative to the congested Post Road, was conceived as both a transportation solution and an aesthetic experience. Championed by Congressman Schuyler Merritt, the project began in 1934, providing thousands of jobs during the Great Depression. Designed with rolling landscapes and unique bridges, the parkway became a living work of art. However, its construction was marred by a real estate scandal that led to high-profile indictments. Despite modern challenges like speeding and overcrowding, the Merritt remains a historic and picturesque route, balancing preservation efforts with the demands of contemporary traffic.