Amtrak Old Saybrook – Old Lyme Bridge

Amtrak Old Saybrook - Old Lyme Bridge is a railway bridge crossing the Connecticut River and connecting both banks with two tracks for train traffic. The structure uses a truss framework with a movable lift section in the middle to allow boats to pass through.

The bridge was designed in 1907 by engineer Joseph Scherzer and built by his Chicago firm. It enabled modern rail connections between New York and Boston at that time.

The bridge represents early twentieth-century engineering methods with its metal rivet-connected Warren pony truss design and movable single leaf bascule system.

Visitors can observe the bridge from the shore or from walkways that allow viewing of passing trains. The best views are from public areas on both sides of the Connecticut River.

The bridge operates at 45 miles per hour with an 18-foot clearance, but its replacement in 2024 will increase speed to 70 mph with 24-foot clearance.

GPS coordinates: 41.31083,-72.34917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00