Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Bridge
Encyclopedia
The Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Bridge (also known as the Sikorsky Memorial Bridge, and the Housatonic River Bridge) carries the limited-access Connecticut Route 15 over the Housatonic River
, between Stratford
and Milford
, Connecticut
. The bridge was first referred to as the Sikorsky Bridge because Sikorsky Aircraft
is headquartered just north of the bridge. The 2006 replacement span was dedicated as the Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Bridge.
The bridge's completion marked the completion of the Merritt Parkway
and the starting point for construction of the adjoining Wilbur Cross Parkway
, September 2, 1940.
This is the second bridge at the site; the original one was built in 1940. That bridge was notable for its two narrow lanes in each direction and open steel grid deck which saved money
but was unpopular with drivers. A toll plaza was located at the eastern end of the bridge from its opening in 1940 until Connecticut abolished tolls in 1988. The toll booth is now preserved in Stratford at the Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
.
After years of environmental studies, the Connecticut Department of Transportation
awarded an $87 million contract to Balfour Beatty Construction
to build a replacement bridge in 2000. The southern half of the new bridge opened in 2003; the 1940 span was demolished in 2004. A major accident resulted in one death in February, 2004. While removing structural steel from the old bridge, the load unexpectedly shifted, causing a crane to overturn and fall into the partially-frozen Housatonic River, killing its operator. The remaining half of the replacement bridge was completed in 2006, two years behind schedule. The new bridge has a concrete deck, with blacktop, three lanes in each direction, full left and right shoulders, a sidewalk for pedestrians, wrought-iron railing, and aesthetic lighting. The bridge also includes a system of concrete fenders that protects the bridge piers from ship collisions, a feature that was absent from the 1940 span.
Housatonic River
The Housatonic River is a river, approximately long, in western Massachusetts and western Connecticut in the United States. It flows south to southeast, and drains about of southwestern New England into Long Island Sound...
, between Stratford
Stratford, Connecticut
Stratford is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, located on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Housatonic River. It was founded by Puritans in 1639....
and Milford
Milford, Connecticut
Milford is a coastal city in southwestern New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, located between Bridgeport and New Haven. The population was 52,759 at the 2010 census...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. The bridge was first referred to as the Sikorsky Bridge because Sikorsky Aircraft
Sikorsky Aircraft
The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Stratford, Connecticut. Its parent company is United Technologies Corporation.-History:...
is headquartered just north of the bridge. The 2006 replacement span was dedicated as the Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Bridge.
The bridge's completion marked the completion of the Merritt Parkway
Merritt Parkway
The Merritt Parkway is a historic limited-access parkway in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The parkway is known for its scenic layout, its uniquely styled signage, and the architecturally elaborate overpasses along the route. It is designated as a National Scenic Byway and is also listed in the...
and the starting point for construction of the adjoining Wilbur Cross Parkway
Wilbur Cross Parkway
The Wilbur Cross Parkway is a limited access road in Connecticut, comprising the portion of Route 15 between Milford and Meriden. It is named after Wilbur Lucius Cross, a former governor of the state...
, September 2, 1940.
This is the second bridge at the site; the original one was built in 1940. That bridge was notable for its two narrow lanes in each direction and open steel grid deck which saved money
but was unpopular with drivers. A toll plaza was located at the eastern end of the bridge from its opening in 1940 until Connecticut abolished tolls in 1988. The toll booth is now preserved in Stratford at the Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
Boothe Memorial Park and Museum sits on a site in the Putney section of Stratford, Connecticut. Built about 1840 and remodeled in 1914, it is said to be "The Oldest Homestead in America," since it sits on the foundations of a 1663 house, and has been continuously occupied...
.
After years of environmental studies, the Connecticut Department of Transportation
Connecticut Department of Transportation
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is responsible for the development and operation of highways, railroads, mass transit systems, ports, waterways and aviation facilities in the U.S. state of Connecticut. The current Commissioner of ConnDOT is Jeffrey Parker...
awarded an $87 million contract to Balfour Beatty Construction
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty plc is a British construction, engineering, military housing, rail and investment services company. It is one of the largest construction companies in the UK, and the 15th largest in the world...
to build a replacement bridge in 2000. The southern half of the new bridge opened in 2003; the 1940 span was demolished in 2004. A major accident resulted in one death in February, 2004. While removing structural steel from the old bridge, the load unexpectedly shifted, causing a crane to overturn and fall into the partially-frozen Housatonic River, killing its operator. The remaining half of the replacement bridge was completed in 2006, two years behind schedule. The new bridge has a concrete deck, with blacktop, three lanes in each direction, full left and right shoulders, a sidewalk for pedestrians, wrought-iron railing, and aesthetic lighting. The bridge also includes a system of concrete fenders that protects the bridge piers from ship collisions, a feature that was absent from the 1940 span.