Preserve the historic William Cribari Bridge

Recent signers:
Ilsa McColl and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The William Cribari Bridge in Westport, Connecticut, stands as a beacon of history and community. For the past 141 years, it has not only served as a vital transportation link but also as a treasured national historic site, reflecting a period when craftsmanship and community pride went hand in hand. It's more than just a passage over the Saugatuck River; it's a reminder of Westport’s rich heritage, visible and tangible every day.

Yet, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is considering plans to replace this beloved bridge with a larger, modern structure. This new plan threatens to erase a piece of state history and remove a unique architectural icon that has graced our town for generations. For 50 years, I have driven over the William Cribari Bridge, enjoying the modest speed it allows and the amplified appreciation of the river's beauty it provides.

Replacing the bridge with a modern construct would be a loss of historical integrity and cultural continuity for Westport. The bridge's rustic appeal and historic value cannot be replicated by contemporary designs. It would dishonor the craftsmanship that has stood resiliently through the test of time.

Restoration, rather than replacement, of the William Cribari Bridge provides a solution that respects its historical significance. Rehabilitation can ensure its safety and utility, preserving its historic charm and maintaining it as an irreplaceable emblem of our community.

Moreover, maintaining the bridge aligns with our commitment to historical conservation and sustainable infrastructure development. By preserving this landmark, we honor our past while responsibly safeguarding it for future generations.

We urge decision-makers to reconsider the proposed plans and prioritize restoration efforts. It's essential that we keep the bridge a functional and picturesque icon, retaining its place not only in our community but also in our hearts.

Please sign this petition to preserve the William Cribari Bridge for the generations to come, reinforcing the importance of our shared history and identity as a community. Stand with us to protect a legacy we cannot afford to lose.

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Recent signers:
Ilsa McColl and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The William Cribari Bridge in Westport, Connecticut, stands as a beacon of history and community. For the past 141 years, it has not only served as a vital transportation link but also as a treasured national historic site, reflecting a period when craftsmanship and community pride went hand in hand. It's more than just a passage over the Saugatuck River; it's a reminder of Westport’s rich heritage, visible and tangible every day.

Yet, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is considering plans to replace this beloved bridge with a larger, modern structure. This new plan threatens to erase a piece of state history and remove a unique architectural icon that has graced our town for generations. For 50 years, I have driven over the William Cribari Bridge, enjoying the modest speed it allows and the amplified appreciation of the river's beauty it provides.

Replacing the bridge with a modern construct would be a loss of historical integrity and cultural continuity for Westport. The bridge's rustic appeal and historic value cannot be replicated by contemporary designs. It would dishonor the craftsmanship that has stood resiliently through the test of time.

Restoration, rather than replacement, of the William Cribari Bridge provides a solution that respects its historical significance. Rehabilitation can ensure its safety and utility, preserving its historic charm and maintaining it as an irreplaceable emblem of our community.

Moreover, maintaining the bridge aligns with our commitment to historical conservation and sustainable infrastructure development. By preserving this landmark, we honor our past while responsibly safeguarding it for future generations.

We urge decision-makers to reconsider the proposed plans and prioritize restoration efforts. It's essential that we keep the bridge a functional and picturesque icon, retaining its place not only in our community but also in our hearts.

Please sign this petition to preserve the William Cribari Bridge for the generations to come, reinforcing the importance of our shared history and identity as a community. Stand with us to protect a legacy we cannot afford to lose.

The Decision Makers

Ned Lamont
Connecticut Governor
Sean Scanlon
Connecticut Comptroller
Erick Russell
Connecticut Treasurer

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Petition created on January 3, 2026