Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Bridge

The Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Bridge is a road crossing over the Housatonic River carrying six traffic lanes of the Merritt Parkway between Stratford and Milford. The structure features full shoulders on both sides, a pedestrian walkway, decorative wrought-iron railings, and concrete protection for the bridge piers.

The first bridge at this location opened in 1940, marking completion of the Merritt Parkway and the start of the Wilbur Cross Parkway. The current structure is a modern replacement built to handle the region's growing traffic demands.

The bridge bears the name of an aircraft engineer whose helicopter manufacturing facility still operates nearby on the western riverbank. The presence of this industrial site has shaped the region's identity for generations.

Pedestrians and cyclists can use the bridge by walking or riding on the dedicated sidewalk. Traffic on the Merritt Parkway is heavy during rush periods, so plan your crossing time accordingly if you are traveling on foot.

Building the current bridge was a complex undertaking that faced unexpected delays, including a crane accident during construction. Despite these challenges, it stands as a working example of modern bridge engineering in a busy transportation corridor.