Submitted by Sara Mendillo
(November 19, 2023) — The Connecticut Department of Transportation advises the following construction activities will take place at the Haddam/East Haddam Swing Bridge during the week of November 19, 2023:
63-Hour Bridge Closure
No 63-hour bridge closure this week.
Overnight Bridge Closures
The contractor will be performing overnight bridge closures as follows:
Sunday night (11/19) into Monday morning (11/20) – 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Monday night (11/20) into Tuesday morning (11/21) – 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Tuesday night (11/21) into Wednesday morning 11/22 – 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Weekday Lane Closures
Single lane closures on Route 82 will occur Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. within the project limits; traffic flaggers will coordinate the alternating traffic sequence.
All lanes will be reopened and operational during peak traffic hours.
Starting on December 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, the rehabilitation of the existing bridge will require a portion of the bridge to be closed, while providing only one lane of traffic for motorists. Temporary traffic signals will regulate the alternating traffic flow on the bridge. Motorists should expect some delays when crossing the bridge during this four-month duration.
Marine Advisory
Effective December 1, 2023, the swing span will no longer open to marine traffic; openings will resume on April 1, 2024.
The swing bridge is currently opening on signal (on the hour) for tall marine vessels.
Be advised that on days with high winds, there may be times when the swing span cannot safely open to boaters; when wind gusts are 35 mph or higher, swing span openings will be cancelled. Mariners intending to pass through the bridge are encouraged to monitor the wind forecast on their navigation day.
Boaters are advised that the swing span is still in a state of disrepair; if, during an opening, something occurs that could potentially put the bridge at risk, all openings will be cancelled until further notice.
The tide clearance board is recommended as the best reference for gauging clearance at time of passage. The board is located on the bulkhead at Goodspeed and has been adjusted to reflect the vertical clearances to the contractor’s suspended scaffold. Navigational beacons have been installed on the bridge to designate the channel.
You can sign up for Text Alerts to receive notifications on 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.
