
East Haddam Swing Bridge
A functional marvel, the East Haddam Swing Bridge offers scenic river walks and impressive views, especially when it opens for boat traffic.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos

East Haddam Swing Bridge
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A functional marvel, the East Haddam Swing Bridge offers scenic river walks and impressive views, especially when it opens for boat traffic.
"Take a short, breezy walk across the Connecticut River with great views of the river bank, forests, and boats passing by."

🚶♀️ Enjoy the River Walk
The sidewalk is open! Take a short, breezy walk across the Connecticut River for great views.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Boat rides at sunset offer incredible photo opportunities of the bridge.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic River Walk
Sidewalk on the East Haddam Swing Bridge
Enjoy a breezy 5-minute stroll across the Connecticut River with views of forests, boats, and the historic Goodspeed Opera House.

Bridge Opening Spectacle
Connecticut River
Witness the impressive engineering as the bridge swings open to allow boats to pass. A unique sight for any visitor.

Eagle Landing State Park Views
Eagle Landing State Park
Capture stunning photos of the East Haddam Swing Bridge, especially magical during sunset boat rides.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Bridge Access & Timing
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Enjoy the River Walk
The sidewalk is open! Take a short, breezy walk across the Connecticut River for great views.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Boat rides at sunset offer incredible photo opportunities of the bridge.
🚗 Check Bridge Alerts
Bridge openings can cause traffic delays. Check for alerts before you drive.
🌳 Eagle Landing Park
For the best bridge views and photos, visit Eagle Landing State Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Enjoy the River Walk
The sidewalk is open! Take a short, breezy walk across the Connecticut River for great views.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
Boat rides at sunset offer incredible photo opportunities of the bridge.
🚗 Check Bridge Alerts
Bridge openings can cause traffic delays. Check for alerts before you drive.
🌳 Eagle Landing Park
For the best bridge views and photos, visit Eagle Landing State Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the newly accessible sidewalk on the East Haddam Swing Bridge for a pleasant river walk and great views. The nearby Eagle Landing State Park is lauded for its photographic potential, especially at sunset. However, the bridge's industrial aesthetic and significant delays caused by its opening and closing operations are noted drawbacks.
"Sidewalk is open! Finally. Short maybe 5 minute breezy walk across the mighty Connecticut River. Access to donut shop, grocery, dollar store. Stop for great views of river bank, forests, theater, airport, boats passing by. Nice show.
The bridge is noisy, rattle of loose railing, hum of steel mesh vibrating as cars pass. Sadly, the sidewalk has zero adornments, a decidedly modern industrial look (ugly). There is a nice ornamental street light at the end.
Silly, but still there are orange barrels where the railing ends, sidewalk continues, so bikers don't fly off the end. All these years, oversight?"
Steven Webb
"I was in the area and this was on some list of highly recommended things to do. It was just a bridge we went over it and that was that. Didn't know what else to do, so I found a park right under the bridge called the Eagle Landing park. We spend time there and really got a great view of the bridge. It was beautiful."
Mohamed A. Negm
"It is totally worth taking a boat ride down the river to watch the sunset at the bridge. This was shot on my iPhone and my god it looks fake. What a beautiful photo and great memory. Bridge is tall enough for 26 footers to get under. I'd say anything bigger than that the bridge will have to swing. No complaints just a great boat ride down the river."
Fat Tone
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The East Haddam Swing Bridge is located in East Haddam, Connecticut, spanning the Connecticut River. It's accessible by car via Route 154. Parking is available near the bridge and at Eagle Landing State Park.
Public transportation options directly to the bridge are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
Yes, the sidewalk on the East Haddam Swing Bridge is open for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a short, scenic crossing.
Driving conditions can be affected when the bridge opens for boat traffic. It's advisable to check for any East Haddam Swing Bridge alerts or project updates before your trip to avoid delays.
Parking is available in East Haddam, including at Eagle Landing State Park, which offers excellent views of the bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking across the East Haddam Swing Bridge is free. The pedestrian sidewalk is open to the public.
The bridge itself operates as needed for river traffic. The pedestrian sidewalk is generally accessible during daylight hours, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific East Haddam Swing Bridge alerts.
Eagle Landing State Park typically does not have an entrance fee for general access, making it a great free spot to view the bridge.
While the sidewalk is open, be mindful of the industrial nature of the bridge. There are safety features like orange barrels where the railing ends.
Renovations were planned for 2022, including the addition of a pedestrian walkway, connecting the marina to the playhouse and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Eagle Landing State Park offers fantastic vantage points for capturing the bridge. Boat tours on the Connecticut River also provide unique perspectives, especially at sunset.
Yes, watching and photographing the bridge as it swings open is a unique experience. Be aware that openings can cause traffic delays.
Sunset is highly recommended for its beautiful light, creating stunning photos of the bridge and river.
Drone regulations vary. Always check FAA guidelines and local restrictions before flying a drone near the bridge or any protected areas.
A smartphone camera like an iPhone can capture beautiful shots, especially with good lighting. For more professional shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is ideal.
🎫 🚗 Traffic & Delays
The primary cause of delays is the bridge swinging open to allow river traffic to pass. This can be slow and cause significant backups for vehicles.
Locals report that the bridge is slow to open and even slower to close, leading to frustration and headaches for residents.
There have been past renovations, including planned pedestrian walkway additions. Check for current East Haddam Swing Bridge project updates for any new information.
If you're driving, be prepared to wait. If you have flexibility, consider visiting a nearby attraction like Eagle Landing State Park or a local eatery while you wait.
The bridge is open for cars when not actively swinging open for river traffic. Pedestrian access is generally available when the bridge is not in operation for marine vessels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a bridge walk with a visit to Eagle Landing State Park is a great idea. Kids can enjoy the open space, watch boats on the river, and get fantastic views of the bridge. Pack a picnic to make it a fun afternoon outing. Be prepared for potential traffic delays if the bridge opens, so having a nearby park to explore is a good backup plan.
📸 Photographers & Sightseers
Eagle Landing State Park is your go-to spot for ground-level shots, providing clear views of the bridge's structure and its operation. Don't miss the chance to photograph the bridge as it swings open – a dynamic and impressive sight. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and potentially capture more unobstructed shots.
🚗 Commuters & Drivers
It's highly recommended to check for East Haddam Swing Bridge alerts before your journey, especially during peak travel times or if you have a strict schedule. While frustrating, the delays are a part of the bridge's function. If caught in a delay, consider it an opportunity to appreciate the river views or explore nearby amenities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: East Haddam Swing Bridge
Recent renovations have focused on improving the user experience, notably the addition of a pedestrian walkway. This enhancement allows visitors to experience the bridge up close, offering a different perspective than simply driving across. The walkway provides a safe and accessible way to enjoy the river views and connect different parts of East Haddam.
Despite its functional importance, the bridge's aesthetic is described as having a 'decidedly modern industrial look,' which some find less appealing than traditional structures. However, the functional beauty and the spectacle of its operation are undeniable draws for visitors interested in engineering and unique landmarks.
Experiencing the Bridge: Views and Activities
For the most breathtaking perspectives, many recommend visiting Eagle Landing State Park. This park provides an excellent vantage point for photographing the bridge, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Taking a boat ride down the river is also a popular suggestion, offering a unique angle to appreciate the bridge's scale and the surrounding scenery, with sunset boat tours being particularly highlighted for their photographic potential.
The bridge itself is a point of interest when it opens. While this operation can cause significant delays for drivers, witnessing the massive structure swing open is a spectacle in itself. Local eateries in East Haddam offer spots where you can dine while watching the bridge and the airplane traffic from a nearby airport, adding to the unique local experience.


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