Mystic River Bascule Bridge

The Mystic River Bascule Bridge spans 218 feet across the Mystic River, connecting the east and west sides of the coastal town with two massive counterweights.

Built in 1922 by the J.E. FitzGerald Construction Company, the bridge was engineered by Thomas Ellis Brown from the Otis Elevator Company of New York.

The bridge functions as a central meeting point in Mystic, where residents and visitors gather to observe boats passing beneath the raised mechanical structure.

From May through October, the bridge opens every hour at 40 minutes past during daylight hours, allowing sailboats and other vessels to navigate the river.

Two direct current motors of 40 horsepower each power the 660-ton movable span, which opens approximately 2,200 times annually for maritime traffic.

Location: Connecticut

Official opening: 1920

GPS coordinates: 41.35472,-71.96861

Latest update: May 13, 2025 06:29