Mystic River Bascule Bridge

The Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a bascule bridge spanning the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut in the United States. It carries vehicle and foot traffic directly into the tourist district of town via 33 ft-wide (10 m) Main Street (U.S. Route 1).

Mystic River Bascule Bridge
The bridge while closing
Coordinates41°21′17″N 71°58′7″W
Carries US 1
CrossesMystic River
LocaleMystic, Connecticut
Official nameMystic River Bascule Bridge
OwnerConnDOT
Characteristics
DesignBascule
Total length218 ft (66 m)
Width85 ft (26 m)
History
DesignerThomas Ellis Brown
Constructed byJ. E. FitzGerald Construction Company
Opened1920
Statistics
Daily traffic11,800

History

The Strauss Heel-trunnion type bridge was designed by former Otis Elevator Company Chief Engineer Thomas Ellis Brown of New York and built in 1920 by the J. E. FitzGerald Construction Company of New London, Connecticut, according to its historical marker. Its movable span is 85 ft (26 m) wide, 218 ft (66 m) long, weighs 660 short tons (589 long tons; 599 t), and employs two 230 short tons (205 long tons; 209 t) concrete-filled counterweights. Until 1928, the bridge carried streetcars of the Groton and Stonington Street Railway.

It is operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and opens for approximately five minutes around 2,200 times per year, carrying an average daily traffic of 11,800. It is driven by two 1,400 pounds (640 kg) 40 horsepower (30 kW) direct current motors, and its span is greased and inspected every 100 openings or two weeks during the winter. From May 1 to October 31, the bridge opens hourly during daylight at 40 minutes past the hour and on demand. It usually raises to let sailboats and yachts pass under.[1]

Pictures
  • The Mystic River Bascule Bridge
  • Mystic River Bascule Bridge in full-up position
Located at the center part of the bridge.
Looking at the bridge from the east side of the street.
Good view of the counter weights.
The plaque that describes when and by whom the bridge was built.
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See also

References
  1. Coast Pilot 2
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