East Haddam Swing Bridge 3-year rehab complete
'The delays hurt everyone but we pulled through it,' said Lou Milardo, who owns River's Edge Home Center in Haddam. 'It's been a long 10 years. We had water come through. We had sidewalks come through. But it's beautified our neighborhood. We're very happy to see it.'
CSP seeking information on East Haddam 7-Eleven robbery suspect
The 112-year-old span, which crosses the Connecticut River, connects Haddam and East Haddam.
'I also have to thank the local businesses for their perseverance,' First Selectman Bob McGarry (R-Haddam) said.
'We're thrilled that it's… we're finally here and that it's open,' added State Rep. and First Selectman Irene Haines (R-East Haddam). 'As soon as those rotaries get done we can get back to normal.'
The $80.8 million bridge project was mostly funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which was also celebrated when it passed.
'I will just tell you that room exploded with just spontaneous applause and shouting,' Congressman Joe Courtney (D) said.
They also added a walkway on the south side of the 90 foot span which when it first opened was the longest truss bridge in the world.
'We reinforced the steel, structure, overhauled the mechanical systems, and replaced both the roof and the aging electrical infrastructure,' DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto noted.
Back then, two oxen were the first to cross the brand new bridge which was a toll bridge. It would have cost two oxen or two horses pulling a vehicle 25 cents to cross.
There are no more tolls for the bridge and many hope there will be no more delays with the swing bridge getting stuck open anymore.
'I can see this discussion back in 1913. I don't know, the ferry was good enough for George Washington, why do we have to rush into a bridge,' joked Gov. Ned Lamont.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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