The historic East Haddam Swing Bridge reopens to the public following the successful completion of a major $88.8 million rehabilitation project aimed at preserving its legacy while enhancing safety and functionality.
At a press event marking the reopening, Governor Ned Lamont was joined by Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Congressman Joe Courtney to celebrate the bridge’s transformation. “The East Haddam Swing Bridge is both a transportation lifeline and a state landmark,” Governor Lamont stated. “Thanks to this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re preserving a key piece of infrastructure for the next generation while making it safer and more accessible for everyone who uses it.”
The bridge, which carries Route 82 over the Connecticut River between the towns of Haddam and East Haddam, underwent a full rehabilitation led by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). The project was funded through a mix of 80% federal and 20% state resources, with construction taking place between September 2022 and May 2025—completed on time and on budget.
Originally built in 1913 by the American Bridge Company, the East Haddam Swing Bridge has once again been revitalized by the same company more than a century later. The work brings the bridge into the 21st century while preserving its historic integrity.
Key upgrades include new mechanical and electrical systems, substructure repairs, and a roof replacement, all aimed at improving structural performance and reliability. With over 12,000 vehicles crossing the bridge daily, these enhancements are critical for long-term safety and durability.
New sidewalk
Notably, a new sidewalk was installed on the south side of the bridge, connecting to recently built sidewalks on both sides of the river. This provides a safer and more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists, a feature long requested by the local community.
“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 Commissioner Eucalitto. “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.”
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Project Funding
Congressman Courtney highlighted the broader significance of the project, calling it “a stellar example of how federal infrastructure dollars are supposed to work.” He noted that over $70 million of the funding came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enabling 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.”
The swing bridge consists of four spans, including a moveable section that had been facing operational issues. While the bridge had undergone several rounds of repairs in past decades—including in 1988, 1998, 1999, 2007, and 2016. This is the first time it has received a comprehensive overhaul.
The rehabilitation was executed by the American Bridge Company and managed by CTDOT. The project design was completed in 2021 in collaboration with Hardesty & Hanover, an engineering firm renowned for its expertise in movable bridge systems.
With the completion of this project, the East Haddam Swing Bridge stands ready to serve the region for generations to come—stronger, safer, and more accessible than ever.
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East Haddam Swing Bridge Rehabilitation Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Route 82 over Connecticut River, connecting Haddam and East Haddam, Connecticut
Total Investment: $88.8 million
Construction Period: September 2022 – May 2025
Status: Completed on time and on budget
Historical Context
Original Construction: 1913 by American Bridge Company
Bridge Age: 112 years old at completion of rehabilitation
Previous Repairs: 1988, 1998, 1999, 2007, 2016
Significance: Historic state landmark and critical transportation lifeline
Funding Structure
Federal Funding: 80% (~$70+ million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)
State Funding: 20%
Lead Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)
East Haddam Swing Bridge reopens: Key Improvements
Complete mechanical and electrical systems replacement
Substructure repairs and reinforcement
New roof installation
New sidewalk on south side connecting to existing pedestrian infrastructure
Enhanced structural performance and reliability
Preserved historic integrity while modernizing functionality
Project Team
Constructor: American Bridge Company (same company as original 1913 construction)
Project Manager: Connecticut Department of Transportation
Design Partner: Hardesty & Hanover (movable bridge specialists)
Design Completion: 2021
Impact & Usage
Daily Traffic: Over 12,000 vehicles
Bridge Type: Four-span swing bridge with moveable section
Enhanced Safety: Improved access for both motorists and pedestrians/cyclists
Community Benefit: Addresses long-standing local requests for pedestrian infrastructure
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