Ashland Mill Bridge, Iron truss bridge in Griswold, Connecticut.
Ashland Mill Bridge is an iron truss bridge in Griswold, Connecticut, that once crossed the Pachaug River. The structure featured a lenticular design with curved upper members and wrought iron components.
The bridge was constructed in 1886 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company following a dam failure that created the need for a new crossing. It connected Ashland Street to the Ashland Cotton Company millyard.
The bridge demonstrates late 19th-century engineering craftsmanship and the shift from wooden to metal structures in New England manufacturing areas. It reflects how local industries adopted new construction techniques to support their operations.
Visitors should know the bridge was deemed unsafe in 1999 and relocated to a parking lot for preservation. Access to the structure may be limited, so checking local information about viewing the bridge is advisable.
The bridge crossed the river at an unusual 28-degree angle rather than perpendicular, an adaptation to the site's specific conditions. This angled design is an often-overlooked detail that makes the structure technically distinctive.
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