Maritime UPDATE: Increased Clearance for boats – April 24, 2023
Due to the Swing Span currently being unable to perform openings in addition to the reduced vertical clearance due to the suspended scaffold under the bridge, the Connecticut Department of Transportation announces the following:
Beginning this Wednesday 4/26, the contractor will begin removing approximately 50 feet of the suspended scaffold from under the bridge. The removal of the scaffold will provide an additional 3 feet of vertical clearance under the bridge. The effort to remove the scaffold will require 2-3 days to complete.
The scaffold removal will occur in the channel that is closest to the East Haddam shoreline.
It is anticipated that boats will be allowed to pass under by this Saturday, 4/29. We will provide an update as soon as the scaffold removal has been completed.
After the scaffold removal, the clearances in the eastern channel will be as follows:
- Low tide clearance is about 21’-8”
- High tide clearance is about 19’-8”
Regarding the taller vessels and the Swing Span’s operational capacity, the contractor will continue with their troubleshooting and testing in the coming days. Be advised that any movement of the Swing Span witnessed while testing, by no means is an indication that the Swing Span is now operational. We hope to have an updated timeframe on the soonest possible Swing Span opening within the next few days.
Please be advised:
- We are now sending TEXT Alerts for bridge closures and re-openings, closure cancellations, and any emergency closures. To Opt-in, text the word SWINGBRIDGE to 888777. (Message and Data rates may apply). In addition to SMS messages, if you would like to receive Swing Bridge open/closed status notices via email or a voice call from Everbridge, please click here to enter the required information. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to Opt-out.
- Effective November 11, 2022, any trucks that exceed 16 tons are restricted from using the East Haddam Swing Bridge, until further notice. Routine enforcement by the Connecticut State Police and Department of Motor Vehicles will occur during this 16-ton restriction period.
- Project traffic WEBCAMS (one on each side of the river) are available 24/7 to monitor the traffic conditions at the bridge, the camera feeds are viewable from our project website homepage.
- Road signage will alert drivers to lane closures in the construction area. Please pay attention to road signage, slow down, and stay safe!
- Access to local businesses and residents within the work zones will be maintained.
- Unforeseen circumstances have the potential to impact all scheduled construction activities.
If you have any questions related to construction, please send an e-mail to [email protected]