Ah, Merritt Parkway. The bane of my road trip. Congestion. Traffic. Construction. And that was the Rest Stop! In any case, at least the rest stops were clean considering the amount of people that are on here. And I appreciate that there are quite a few of these Rest Stops. I guess timing is everything and if you hit the Parkway just right, you CAN appreciate the beauty of it all. The scenic trees kinda make up for sitting there in traffic. read more

Merritt Parkway - Parking Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

I found this check in by chance, I didn't think people would review parkways.. but since we're all here, here goes: The Merritt Parkway is the scenic route. If I'm feeling anxious the i95 only enhances my anxiety, the Merritt keeps me calmer. If you get annoyed by tractor trailers, you know you'll avoid them here, because such large vehicles are not permitted due to the low clearance of beautiful historic bridges. There are only two lanes, so if an accident occurs, it can significantly delay your trip. If you can't see well in the dark and you're scared you might hit a deer, take the interstate highway instead, as there are not many light post here and wildlife might get blinded by your high-beams. If you have no preference, you can always allow your waze app to decided the route for you. read more

Merritt Parkway - Parking Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

CT-15 (Merritt Parkway) is a historic, landscaped parkway that serves as a critical corridor for passenger vehicle travel and daily commuting. Due to low bridge clearances, commercial vehicles are prohibited from using this route. Within the region, CT-15 spans 23.5 miles between Greenwich and Westport. We have used it several times to as a bypass of the busy New York city congested highways. Lots of green trees and a few service stations and rest stops. read more

Merritt Parkway - Parking Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

I love the Merritt Parkway! It's scenic and beautiful! I adore all the low, distinctive decorative bridges along this roadway spanning about 38 miles. . The construction on the bridges began in the 1930's and are now registered as national historic places. Each one has a different architectural design and it's obvious this Connecticut roadway was orchestrated by a committee who took pride in their state! There are about 70 bridges designed by highway architect George Dunkelberger. The parkway is named for congressman Schuyler Merritt and each bridge has its own name! You'll find Angel wings, butterflies, birds, art deco designs, spiderwebs, foliage and other cool motifs! The engineering marvels of these bridges are amazing! But don't forget to keep your eyes on the road because the bridges can sweep your imagination away! :-) The slower speed limit on this majestic roadway allows the traffic to flow at a steady pace while absorbing all the various bridges! I'm this past faced world where freeways are nondescript and sterile, this drive is a welcome change! read more

Merritt Parkway - Parking Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

Alternately known as CT-15, the Merritt Parkway is a truly gorgeous road that runs from the New York-Connecticut state line in Greenwich to Stratford terminating at the Housatonic River. Over the years it has become my preferred way to bypass the southern portion of 95 with its constant construction, maniac trucks and Mad Max inspired uninsured drivers. The Merritt offers a leafy, art-deco bridged alternative to traverse the pristine hedge fund hives that extend from Greenwich to Westport, giving you a constant glimpse of Ferraris, Jags, Range Rovers and Bentleys in their natural high performance habitats. Movies as diverse as Die Hard with a Vengeance, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut and Michael Clayton have featured the likes of Jimmy Stewart, George Clooney and Gregory Peck enjoying a ride along the Merritt with their top down and no wind in the dead of Winter. Ahh, the magic of Hollywood. One of my favorite roads. Period. Five art-deco stars. Note: it's beautiful but no daydreaming please. This curvy, high-decision road demands constant attention. On and off ramps are frequent and are not forgiving of distracted or careless drivers. Let someone else peep at the leaves and pay attention. read more

It's a very pretty, scenic roadway, with art-deco-style overpasses, and bucolic forest on each side of the road. Behind those forests sit some very expensive homes-- I remember reading Jane Fonda's autobiography where she discussed living not far from the Merritt as a child and hearing the highway noise through her open window on Summer nights. I don't travel on this highway often. As a kid and into young manhood, I don't know that I ever traveled it. But after the reunion with my genetic family, I met my great aunt, who was very nice and welcoming to me. She lived in Cape Cod, and this was the way we traveled to and from her home (sadly, she is deceased). Also, my brother lives in Hamden and visiting with him necessitates driving on the Merritt. Which we did this past Thanksgiving. And this brings me to a point that one of the other reviewers made, and it's an especially valid, pertinent one. This is a beautiful roadway...sure...but it's also a dangerous one. Built in the 1930's, it's a 2-lane highway, and it was constructed specifically for the way people drove in the 1930s. Now? People drive on it fast..very fast...like they're racing up or down the Interstate. Driving on it this past Thanksgiving, we went by a 6-car pile-up in the other lane. There were ambulances and fire trucks circled around the vehicular catastrophe, lights flashing, and one car had its hood crumpled up like an accordion. Hopefully, no one was killed or severely injured, but who knows? I think of the Merritt as the Belladonna plant of highways-- very pretty, but potentially very dangerous. At night, it's particularly dangerous. It's an old-style 2-lane highway that twists and turns, goes up one hill and down another, and in the darkness, there are no lights. None. If you're a young eagle-eyed adventurer convinced of your own invulnerability, I guess you could think of it as a thrill ride, an adrenaline rush. If you're a middle-aged, timid-driver with a queasy stomach and sh*tty night vision (like me), you might be in considerable trouble. Decades ago, in another time and another place, a youthful Jane Fonda could sit by her open window and listen to the distant hum of car tires on the asphalt. Today's youthful resident is likely to sit by their open window and hear the ugly crash of twisting metal and exploding glass as an unlucky driver plows his car into another car, or smashes it into the art-deco overpass, or pulverizes it into pieces against a tree. Hopefully, that unlucky driver won't be me. read more

Whether I'm on a leisurely trip to New York City, or just driving around the New Haven area, I enjoy taking the Merritt Parkway over I-95. I've driven here in various seasons and I love the different elements of beauty the parkway provides in an activity that is less glamorous than it used to be (car driving). The art deco-inspired bridges and overpasses conjure up a time when driving was less hasty and more enjoyable. Not having trucks and other commercial vehicles on the journey more comfortable and smooth. The rest stops along the parkway are diminutive, which some may find cute. They have electric plugs for cars. The only problem is that the highway is just two lanes each way, so if there's an accident, and there are with the curves...you'll end up having one eye on the 2 mph car in front, while having one eye admiring the natural scenery. Also, rush hour here can make this drive slow as well. read more

I really love Merritt Parkway. Yes.... I am reviewing a highway. Do you want to know why I love it? - No commercial vehicles allowed - 2 lane highway with no shoulder... which means only the good drivers will tackle this highway - Lots of curves... which makes for a fun drive, no dull & boring drives allowed - Lots of trees and greenery... nice change from the concrete jungle of NYC - Usually has less traffic than I-95 When traveling between NYC and Boston - I recommended the Merritt Parkway! VROOM VROOM. read more

This is a beautiful parkway with great scenery. However, it's a dangerous road with all of the deer and can be dangerous in bad weather due to the hills. Many cars get stuck on this parkway during snowstorms. There are only two lanes so be prepared for traffic. I prefer I-95 just because there's that one extra lane. read more

A very scenic drive that I take quite often when traveling from CT to NYC. No trucks, buses, etc.. Are allowed on the Merritt so you can scoot along at a nice clip. Plenty of gas stations too along the route so you can always pull off for a quick pit stop. It can be a white knuckle drive though. Curves and cars zooming and cutting in and out of traffic. You won't be using your cruise control on The Merritt. If there is an accident or construction it will slow down your trip since it is only 2 lanes each side. Bonus...it sure does beat I95!!! read more

Pretty, but dangerous. My wife prefers this route when we're leaving Connecticut for our Jersey trips. I rather take I-84 through Danbury, but she insists on the Merritt. I used to commute on the Merritt from Fairfield to Stamford in the late 80's, and I can recall some horrific accidents. Glad they cut the tree line back, least you have a better chance of seeing a deer before it hits you (trust me, you don't want to hit a deer going 70 m.p.h. -- not good for everyone involved, especially your car). The only plus, besides being pretty, is no trucks. Getting on this parkway from a dead stop is super-dangerous (which you are forced to do because of Stop signs on most of the entrance ramps). It's not your normal highway driving, but the speeds are certainly in that range (if not more). Be careful. read more

The first designated Scenic Byway in the USA, the Merritt Parkway was opened in 1938 to relieve traffic on the old Boston Post Road in Connecticut. With the removal of toll plazas that jammed traffic up until their elimination in 1988, it became the most beautiful and pleasant route from Grenwich to Stratford, and in the mid 20th Century had people picnicking along the sides of this heavily forested route. Even today it is one of the most beautiful limited access roadways in the east. We used it to get to Cambridge, Massachusetts last week. It attached to the Hutchinson River Parkway in New York and the Wilbur Cross Parkway / Route 15 pikes north of Stratford. We jumped on I-84 and 91 for short stretches before connecting to the Mass Pike 50 miles west of Boston. With it's renovated reststops, "The Merritt" is far superior to I-95 and the other available interstates between The Big Apple and Beantown. The overpasses are worth a slowdown as they were originally designed in unique styles to be part of the road aesthetic. Believe it or not, there was a time when these new highways were considered to be the height of the new America, and its designing engineers attempted to make them works of art. It was truly an exceptional road trip. read more

This highway is gorgeous! Hilly with lots of overhanging trees. No tolls. Connection between NYC and into Connecticut. read more

Merritt Parkway - Parking Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

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Let me see. When I drive between Boston and NJ I have a few options. Many of those involve driving on large dirty interstates, through high traffic cities, behind slow and intimidating trucks, patrolled by tons of cops. The other involves a nice scenic drive, with numerous trees, extremely clean road, where only cars are allowed, and cop activity is at a minimum. The rest sops simply involve convenience stores, gas station, and restroom and have not been infested with McDonald's, phew. However, a Dunkin Donuts and Subway was just put in at one of them (definitely nice to have those options). The trip is usually enjoyable as the curvy roads allow you to realy test your limits. However, one crappy driver and an accident later you are looking at 4 miles of bumper to bumper traffic since it is only 2 lanes. Still, screw 95. It's an ugly mess of traffic due to truckers and clueless drivers who only follow their GPS and roadmaps. read more

Oh Parkway of Merritt, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! 1. Traffic, thou art lesser here. 2. Rest stops with gas and convenience stores, thou art plentiful! 3. Scenery and forests, thou art beautiful. 4. Curvy two lane roads, thou art so fun to drive on! 5. As both the near first and last leg of oh so many road trips, thou art quite memorable. and lastly 6. According to Wikipedia, "Richard Shindell wrote an instrumental piece entitled "Merritt Parkway, 2 AM." The song can be found on his album, Somewhere Near Paterson, which was released in 2000." ... and that is just the best title of an album I have EVER heard of. (To take advantage of the Merritt when driving North of NYC, take the West Side Hwy to the Cross County Pkwy and east to the Hutchinson Parkway which turns into the Merritt at the CT state line. It heads NE to 91 and up to the Hartford area. Enjoy!) read more

I actually think Merritt Parkway is somewhat, asthetically, nice to drive on, with the trees in the middle and the overhang from the tree on the sides, creating a nice shade during the day. But, people, please slow down and save the deer ...and your lives. It's no secret how narrow and twisty those roads are and how quickly you can come up on someone's bumper. read more

Great alternative to head North instead of using I 95. It's a two lanes in each direction. There are periodic gas stations spread out on this highway on both sides. Most of them have a Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and convienance store. read more

The Merrit/Hutchinson River Parkway is my all time favorite! You can take this baby all the way to NYC and it gets you there way faster than 95. You can take it all the way south to exit 2, the Bruckner expressway, and then take that to the FDR. You can also exit at 15, the Cross County Expressway, take that all the way down to the Henry Hudson. It is super convenient, and super gorgeous. In the fall there is amazing foliage, the summer it is sunny and the trees are green, but in the winter it can be a little slick, and is usually last to be plowed/salted, so be careful! read more

What a fine roadway. Well maintained and the bridges are very cool. I have never reviewed a roadway before. Reminds me of the palisades parkway read more

This road is fun. It's a 2 lane parkway that essentially attracts over-height trucks the closer you get to NY. You also find more traffic the closer you get to NY. Tourists don't frequent it as much as you would expect. When the trees are in full bloom from spring to fall you can drive under a few natural canopies. The leaves look brilliant in the fall. The scenery looks awesome in the rain. You can even enjoy a simple joy ride in the middle of the night with nearly no one else on the winding curves. The curves themselves are fun but what really gets your attention are the gentle slopes. Coming uphill through an inside turn and passing someone while you're barely going over the speed limit a true joy. People don't appreciate this road enough. They try to blast through the straights and find themselves woefully unprepared for the turns. You're going to find far better drainage here then comparable roads in NY like the Taconic or 84. It's a far superior surface and easy to drive on in the rain. read more

Such a beautiful drive in all seasons. Watch for deer late at night!! The fast lane goes very fast. Usually less traffic than 95. If there is an accident or flooding from rain you will be sitting a while (only 2 lanes) As parkways go this gets 2 thumbs up read more

There was a time in my life I would take I-91 and I-95 to and from NYC and Boston but ever since discovering the Merritt Parkway, there's no turning back. The pavement is so smooth - probably because there are no trucks on it! Year round it's a fast, slick ride. read more

One of the most beautiful highways to drive through...especially during fall in Connecticut. The changing leaves. The open spaces!! It is truly an experience. It is completely different from the 5 lane freeways I am used to driving in Los Angeles. The 2 lane highway makes driving alongside nature very intimate! A scenic drive everyone should experience!! read more

The concept behind this road is actually what's the most amazing, not the road itself. There are no commercial vehicles allowed so in that sense it's pretty amazing but not the sum of it all. In reality it's a not more than four lane highway with a very high density of traffic and a large number of options to get congested like a parking lot in rush-hour BUT now and then you will see deer, groundhogs, and other wildlife to keep you diverted from this reality. I particularly like seeing the flocks of wild turkeys and falcons when in need of drawing attention upward! The frescoes on the bridges that you pass are truly an architectural amazement. They harken back to again the concept behind the road and if not attentive to the details can get lost in the hum drum of people transport. The idea behind this road is simple: a drive in the country. Even today there's no place better to do it than the woods of Connecticut. Don't believe me? Try the drive in mid-October and watch yourself fade into Fall colors like the melting of a crayon... read more

Is this the 163 from Friars Rd to Downtown San Diego? Awww man!!! I must be REALLY lost! I wonder where i will end up if i just keep heading south...? New York? Ok, thatll work. State Troopers hiding in the cut! Left lane is for passing; slower traffic keep right! No trucks is cool. Tailgating, not so much. Which way to OB? read more

This is my route of choice when traveling into NYC from Boston. As others point out, its nice and scenic and almost doesn't feel like a highway. Not only that, but it has rest stops every so often that are often times surprisingly clean, major bonus points. However, its a two lane road. And its tight and windy. So if you find yourself behind someone that doesn't know how to drive or, worse yet, someone who gets in an accident, you'll be in for a slow commute. But all in all, its just as fast to the city and nicer. So 4 stars to you, you beautiful highway! read more

Hahaha I had no idea people were reviewing highways here. Or freeways. Or parkways. Whatever it is. But hey why not. Very beautiful and scenic, nice for cruising north Fairfield County. Avoid like the plague in the rain. And snow. And rush hour. Two lanes can be disastrous. read more

One of the most scenic and beautiful highways I have ever driven on. We drove this way from Massachusetts to New York, and it was out right beautiful. The historic bridges you pass under are beautiful old art deco. I will drive this again next time I head this way. read more

Really, 4 and 5 star reviews for the Merritt, are you kidding me? Everyone drives too fast for the twisty narrow pkwy until all of a sudden they find their car rammed into the back of an car entering from the too short to totally nonexistent ramp. When there's an accident you're in for two hours of sitting while you wait for it to be cleared. Tree trimming can take 30 minutes to go one exit. Pitch black at night, with lights in your eyes from oncoming traffic. Speeders and weavers, deer strikes, trucks not allowed but that doesn't stop the occasional semi from getting stuck in the underpass, just pray you're not behind them. This highway is a bear to drive and I'm so sorry for my poor husband who spends a minimum of 2 hours a day on it. Two stars for pretty. read more

I love the Merritt Parkway. Every time I take the George Washington Parkway down here in DC/VA, it reminds me of the Merritt. I love the Merritt because it's like driving through a park or a forest. I love looking at the different WPA-era bridge designs. I love remembering where the old toll booths were -- and how they are no longer there to slow down my drive. I love the no trucks/motorcycles. I love the rare sighting of a State Trooper who might catch me going "slightly" over the speed limit. I love how it's quicker and more picturesque than shitty I-95. And driving home to see the folks this past weekend, I forgot how much more beautiful the autumn leaves make the Parkway look. read more

For those that care - the Merritt Parkway was actually built with military transport in mind - in that it is far enough away from the coastline that, "back in the day" of Iron Men and Iron Ships - the roadway was concealed from spotters (unlike I 95 which can be viewed in MANY places from the Sound). Some of the work is WPA quality. The roadway itself is an amazing bit of older engineering lingering into our own future. The fall is an especially beautiful time to travel the roadway with the fall colors showing to full bloom the coming of winter months as leaves turn the color of fire and the trees pull their sap and life's juices back into their trunks. Wild Turkey, deer, woodchucks (and now Mountain Lions) may be seen alongside the roadway. GE has a very large complex located right off the Merritt up in Fairfield. Further up the Wilbur Cross leads to I91 and route 9 with the famous Gillette Castle, Essex Steam Train and Nathan Hale (give me liberty or give me death) schoolhouse not too far off the roadways. In the late summer, and into very early fall, there are a great number of County and 4 - H fairs through Ct. Guilford is my favorite. Ct. is full of history and has a delightful interior as well as a very attractive coastline. A wonderful place to stay is the "waters edge Inn" at Westbrook and serves a relatively inexpensive lunch on a delightful patio overlooking Long Island Sound. What's not to like ? Come on up !! read more

Pretty but worth going out of your way to avoid at night in bad weather. The asphalt is highly reflective, but the painted road surface markings are not, and you are often staring into the glowing fog of lights from oncoming traffic in the opposite lane. When it rains at night, visibility is horrific, and you might not be sure where your car is in relation to your lane. (The dept that maintains this road knows it's a problem, because they at least keep the asphalt matte/non-reflective on turns. It seems a little nuts they don't make the effort for the rest of the roadway.) read more

Love it! 5 stars for getting me away from 95 with its speeding trucks and ticket-happy police. I love it so much that I may just name my first born Merritt. read more

RT 15 is my go-to route for all traveling purposes. Even with traffic, I prefer it an as alternative to I-95 for lack of trucks on RT-15.

Love the Merritt, traffic or not!! Love when there are very little traffic so I can hit those curves in my BMW 545I 6-speed...AWESOME!!!! Check out the Merritt on a beautiful Sunday morning... read more

Avoid this time suck road! You will always be stuck in traffic and delays on this road. That's separate from the constant road construction and law mower delays! Avoid at all cost!!! read more

I look forward to coming to Connecticut when I think about driving along this parkway. Nothing compares to the scenery of the Merritt

What a treat not to drive the 95 stress line. We are now believers in the non- stress, slightly slower parkways. We take the Merritt Parkway right off of I-287 where it joins the Hutchinson Parkway into NYC then we follow Merritt to its end where it become the Milford Parkway and then we hop on I-95 near Hartford and reverse this coming south. It is an older, more scenic, slightly slower but much more beautiful road. Two lanes each direction, nice rest stops w / gas & store every 10 miles or so. So much more to enjoy other then the 95 cars cutting you off. It does not add any time to our trip and we arrived with less aggravation. Yes, there are a few more bends and curves but take a look at 95 along the sea!!!!!!Talk about twists and winding. read more