Tukey's Bridge

Tukey's Bridge carries eight lanes of traffic across Back Cove and connects the neighborhoods of Munjoy Hill and East Deering in Portland. The structure handles Interstate 295, U.S. Route 1, and Washington Avenue as it spans the water.

The original structure opened in 1796 as a toll crossing and remained so until 1837, when the fee system ended and the structure was named for Lemuel Tukey. He operated the toll collection point and also ran a tavern on the Portland side.

The trail alongside the structure on its western edge serves as a gathering point for people moving between neighborhoods on foot or by bicycle. Locals use this path to experience the water's edge and connect with daily life along the Portland shoreline.

The crossing handles heavy traffic throughout the day and serves as a main route connecting the city, so expect congestion during rush hours. Pedestrians and cyclists should use the dedicated trail on the western side for safe passage rather than the vehicle lanes.

A utility truck burst through the guardrail and dropped about 45 feet into the water during early 2024, yet all occupants walked away from the impact unharmed. The incident drew attention to the resilience of modern vehicle safety features and the water's shallow conditions.

Location: Maine

Official opening: 1960

GPS coordinates: 43.67630,-70.25650

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20