Connecticut DOT refuses to give up rights to a small portion of the Merritt Parkway right of way, effectively prohibiting creation of a bike and pedestrian trail along the road.

The trail segment would only cut into a small portion of the land along the Parkway, between High Ridge Road and Newfield Avenue in Stamford. But ConnDOT said recently in a letter to Susan Prosi that it must "preserve the integrity of the roadway" and not give up any of the right of way.

The Mayor of Stamford, Dannel P. Malloy, noted in a reply that the "parkway was initially intended to include a trail system." Malloy also pointed out that the state’s Conservation and Development Plan seeks to promote bicycling and walking.

The trail is supported by numerous elected officials, the Regional Plan Association and many transportation and environmental groups in the region because it would facilitate bicycle commuting and create a scenic trail for recreational uses.

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