Rehabilitating a historic structure to suit the 21st Century
The completion of the East Haddam Swing Bridge rehabilitation project signified the balance between preserving historic structures while keeping them safe and accessible. Bridge No. 01138, colloquially known as the East Haddam Swing Bridge, continues Route 82 over the Connecticut River. It carries over 12,000 vehicles daily and has served the town for over a century.
A Centenarian Comeback
The bridge was built in 1913 by American Bridge Company. With a total length of 889 ft. and 461 ft of swing draw, at the time, it was the largest swinging drawbridge in the world. In the early nineteenth century, it cost only $225,000 to complete. When opened, the toll cost five cents for each person, 35 cents for a two person automobile and 40 cents for a vehicle with four oxen. The bridge first received rehabilitation in 1988. Then further repairs 1998, 1999, 2007 and an emergency repair in 2016. After the emergency repair, Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) Bridge Safety and Evaluation unit conducted an inspection. When concluded, the team advised the bridge’s deterioration superstructure led to its poor condition. A major renovation was required.
“We’re no longer applying a ‘band-aid’ fix. This full rehabilitation ensures the East Haddam Swing Bridge will continue serving Connecticut for many decades to come,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto at a press conference. “We’re grateful to the Haddam and East Haddam communities for their patience and partnership during construction, and we’re proud of the improvements made.”
Expert Design and Construction
Administered and overseen by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the project required expert evaluation and design. Plans were engineered by the CTDOT design team including Derick Lessard, Francisco Fadul and Stephanie Maurer. This was assisted by the CTDOT District 2 construction team Eileen Ego, John Deliberto, Kevin LaRose and Matthew MacMurray. The project personnel also included consulting from Hardesty & Hanover, Michael Baker International and CHA Consulting. The project broke ground on September 22, 2022. When American Bridge Company was awarded with the rehabilitation they returned to the site where they first built over a century ago.The scope of the project included the replacement of four span decks and stringers and one floor system replacement. To ensure safety, all spans received truss strengthening repairs as well as substructure modifications and patching. The operator house received generous repairs with replacement of the roof and electrical system. This included a major mechanical system upgrade, the replacement of power, control, and operator house telecommunication submarine cables. To improve pedestrian safety, a fiber- reinforced polymer cantilevered sidewalk was added to the south side of the bridge.
Community Connection
During construction, the project required 25, 63-hour complete bridge closures. The towns of Haddam and East Haddam held multiple public meetings to prepare the residents for the detour. Residents were also able to opt-in to mobile text notifications to alert for possible bridge closures, re-openings and closure cancellations. The project webpage also included webcams for monitoring traffic conditions on the bridge and tide board clearance for maritime traffic.
A Historic Reopening
On May 27, 2025, the bridge officially completed the renovation and reopened to the public. The $88.8 million project was funded through a mix of 80% federal and 20% state funds. Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Congressman Joe Courtney were in attendance at the press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony. “
The East Haddam Swing Bridge is both a transportation lifeline and a state landmark,” said Lamont at the event. At the event, oxen were present, just like they were at the bridge’s first opening in June 1913.
“The modernization of the iconic East Haddam Swing Bridge is a stellar example of how federal infrastructure dollars are supposed to work,” said Courtney. “Thanks to over $70 million from the federal infrastructure law, we were able to deliver a long-overdue, full-scale rehabilitation of a 112-year-old bridge that is safer for both motorists and pedestrians, while retaining its unique design. Congratulations to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the contractors who swiftly executed this complex project, which will endure for decades to come.”
The rehabilitation of the East Haddam Swing Bridge is a stunning achievement that celebrates both historic and contemporary engineering and design. It ushers in new and future generations to reap the benefits of excellence in American infrastructure and architecture.
By Sofia Feeney. She can be reached at sofia@builder.media
