The West Rock Tunnel
The most interesting sight along the Wilbur Cross Parkway is the West Rock Tunnel in New Haven.
We had to go this way to get to the DMV in Hamden.
There are signs you read before you enter the tunnel.
One says, "Please remove sunglasses in the tunnel."
And another says, " Stay in lane, Do not stop in tunnel"
There is also a green sign and a plaque on the tunnel but you can't stop to read them, but I know the sign doesn't say West Rock tunnel.
They may just call it the West Rock Tunnel because it cuts through the West Rock State Park.
Click here to see a larger photo of the West Rock Tunnel
The West Rock Tunnel carries the Wilbur Cross Parkway under West Rock Park in New Haven. It is located between Exit 59 and Exit 60. The 1,200' dual-bore tunnel is the only highway tunnel in New England going through a land feature. The hill at West Rock State Park isn't particularly tall, but tunneling through it proved to be the best choice. Going up the hill would have required tons of earthwork and would have ruined the park. Going south would have affected developed areas. Going north would have meant more rough terrain. The tunnel was built in less than a year for $2.5 million.
But who is Wilbur Cross? Wilbur Cross (1862 - 1948) was a four-term governor of Connecticut (1931-39), a professor at Yale University, the first dean of Yale's graduate school, and a well-known critic of English literature. As recognition for Cross's support for the Merritt Parkway, its extension toward Hartford was named after him. His name also graces a building at the University of Connecticut, whose growth he supported during his term in office.
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