Deer Isle Bridge

Deer Isle Bridge is a suspension bridge stretching across Eggemoggin Reach, linking the Maine mainland to Little Deer Isle with two narrow traffic lanes. It rises about 100 feet above water level to allow boats and ships to pass beneath.

The bridge opened in 1939 when engineers Robinson and Steinman completed it as a replacement for the island ferry service. The design incorporated lessons about wind stability learned from bridge failures and successes of the era.

The bridge transformed how people reach and live on the island by replacing ferry service, opening it to tourism, business, and new residents. This connection still shapes how visitors and locals experience the place today.

The bridge stays open year-round for vehicle traffic and crossing takes just a few minutes. Expect changeable weather and wind effects, especially during storm season.

The bridge used innovative prefabrication methods of its time, with major components shipped by barge to Maine to save construction time. This modular approach was still quite new for large coastal bridge projects.

Location: Maine

Inception: June 1939

Official opening: December 31, 1939

GPS coordinates: 44.29332,-68.68927

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56