Submitted by Sara Mendillo
(January 6, 2024) — American Bridge Company has scheduled the following work activities to occur through March 2024 at the Haddam/East Haddam Swing Bridge (Route 82). Please be advised that while the contractor’s goal is to complete these construction activities on or ahead of schedule, unforeseen circumstances could impact their targeted dates for completion.
Bridge Work
• Rehabilitation of swing span mechanical components, continuous.
• Installation of new control house and equipment, continuous.
• Span 3 & 4 painting, continuous.
• Removal of existing rail and installation of permanent rail, continuous.
• Isolated bridge floor beam repairs.
• Isolated bridge deck panel installation.
• Installation of conduit/wire pull for new bridge electrical equipment, illumination, and cameras, continuous.
• Installation of bridge sidewalk, continuous.
• Bridge balancing and swing span mechanical/electrical operational testing.
Roadway Work
• Roadway work on both sides of the Connecticut River are for the most part on hold while American Bridge concentrates on the Swing Span rehabilitation efforts over the coming months; however, some roadway work could possibly occur.
Single-Lane Bridge
Until March 31, 2024, the bridge will continuously operate as a single-lane bridge. Temporary traffic signals will control the flow of alternating traffic to cross the river. Slight delays at the bridge should be anticipated.
Overnight Closures
American Bridge is anticipating night closures continuously throughout the next three months. If the contractor needs an overnight closure to perform work between now and March 31, 2024, the permissible hours will be as follows:
• Sunday Evening into Monday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Monday Evening into Tuesday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Tuesday Evening into Wednesday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Wednesday Evening into Thursday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Thursday Evening into Friday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Friday Evening into Saturday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Saturday Evening into Sunday Morning 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Be advised that the hours listed for Sunday through Tuesday would pertain only if a 63-hour closure were not occurring.
63-Hour Bridge Closures
The next 63-hour closure will occur January 14, 2024. (weather permitting). Dates for additional 63-hour closures have yet to be determined. American Bridge is
anticipating one or two closures to occur during Spring 2024, with the possibility of additional 63-hour closures if required. The 63-hour closures will be announced to the public a minimum of two weeks in advance of the scheduled dates. Closures will run from Sunday at 8:00 p.m. until Wednesday, no later than 11:00 a.m.
Maritime Advisory
The swing span is currently not open to marine traffic. Openings will resume on April 1, 2024.
