East Haddam Bridge - © matthew j hageman
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East Haddam Swing Bridge

4.3
·78 reviews·East Haddam, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
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East Haddam Bridge - © matthew j hageman

East Haddam Swing Bridge

Best Time

Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.3
(78 reviews)

"Take a short, breezy walk across the Connecticut River with great views of the river bank, forests, and boats passing by."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic River Walk

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

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 Views

Eagle Landing State Park

Capture stunning photos of the East Haddam Swing Bridge, especially magical during sunset boat rides.

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Planning Your Visit

Bridge Access & Timing

The East Haddam Swing Bridge sidewalk is now open, offering a short, scenic walk across the Connecticut River. Check for alerts before you go, as bridge openings for boat traffic can cause delays for drivers and impact pedestrian access.

Best Viewing Spots

While the bridge itself is an industrial marvel, the best views are often from nearby. Eagle Landing State Park offers fantastic vantage points for photos, especially during sunset boat tours.

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier access
Crowd
Low

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. Reddit

📸 Sunset Photo Ops

Boat rides at sunset offer incredible photo opportunities of the bridge. Reddit

🚗 Check Bridge Alerts

Bridge openings can cause traffic delays. Check for alerts before you drive. Reddit

🌳 Eagle Landing Park

For the best bridge views and photos, visit Eagle Landing State Park. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Sunset Photo Ops

Boat rides at sunset offer incredible photo opportunities of the bridge. Reddit

🚗 Check Bridge Alerts

Bridge openings can cause traffic delays. Check for alerts before you drive. Reddit

🌳 Eagle Landing Park

For the best bridge views and photos, visit Eagle Landing State Park. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(78 reviews)

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

Scenic river walk
Great photo opportunities
Bridge opening spectacle

What People Dislike

Traffic delays
Industrial appearance

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. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to the bridge are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. Reddit

Yes, the sidewalk on the East Haddam Swing Bridge is open for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a short, scenic crossing. Reddit

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. Reddit

Parking is available in East Haddam, including at Eagle Landing State Park, which offers excellent views of the bridge. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking across the East Haddam Swing Bridge is free. The pedestrian sidewalk is open to the public. Reddit

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. Reddit

Eagle Landing State Park typically does not have an entrance fee for general access, making it a great free spot to view the bridge. Reddit

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. Reddit

Renovations were planned for 2022, including the addition of a pedestrian walkway, connecting the marina to the playhouse and restaurants. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Yes, watching and photographing the bridge as it swings open is a unique experience. Be aware that openings can cause traffic delays. Reddit

Sunset is highly recommended for its beautiful light, creating stunning photos of the bridge and river. Reddit

Drone regulations vary. Always check FAA guidelines and local restrictions before flying a drone near the bridge or any protected areas. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🚗 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. Reddit

Locals report that the bridge is slow to open and even slower to close, leading to frustration and headaches for residents. Reddit

There have been past renovations, including planned pedestrian walkway additions. Check for current East Haddam Swing Bridge project updates for any new information. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The East Haddam Swing Bridge offers a simple yet engaging experience for families. The newly opened pedestrian sidewalk provides a safe and easy way for kids to walk across the Connecticut River, enjoying the breeze and views. It's a short walk, perfect for little legs. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Sightseers

For photographers, the East Haddam Swing Bridge presents a unique industrial subject against a scenic backdrop. The best light is undoubtedly during sunset, where boat tours on the Connecticut River offer unparalleled angles for capturing the bridge. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚗 Commuters & Drivers

Drivers using the East Haddam Swing Bridge should be aware of potential delays due to its operation as a swing bridge. The process of opening and closing can be slow, causing significant traffic backups for locals and visitors alike. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: East Haddam Swing Bridge

The East Haddam Swing Bridge, officially known as the East Haddam Bridge, is a significant piece of infrastructure spanning the Connecticut River. Its distinctive design allows it to swing open horizontally, a crucial feature for accommodating large vessels navigating the waterway. This engineering feat, while essential for river commerce and recreation, is also the source of its notorious delays for road traffic. The bridge's structure, a combination of steel and modern materials, creates a unique visual against the natural landscape. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing the Bridge: Views and Activities

Visitors often describe the experience of crossing the East Haddam Swing Bridge as a short, breezy walk with rewarding views of the Connecticut River, surrounding forests, and local landmarks like the Goodspeed Opera House. The accessibility of the sidewalk makes it a convenient stop for a quick stroll and photo opportunity. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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