Pedestrian Walkway To Be Added To East Haddam Swing Bridge

Press release from State Rep. Palm:

Dec. 13, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

Good news is hard to come by these days, so it is with great excitement that I share word that the State Department of Transportation (DOT) will add a pedestrian walkway to the East Haddam Swing Bridge as part of the long-awaited renovation of this Lower River Valley icon.

The six-foot-wide, cantilevered pedestrian walkway – which will also accommodate bicyclists who walk their bikes across – will add immeasurably to the recreational and commercial opportunities for Haddam residents and enthusiasts from neighboring towns. Attached to the south side of the bridge, the walkway will run from Little Meadow Road (west of the river) to the entrance to East Haddam by the Goodspeed.

The walkway is designed to be ADA compliant, and will also have a new camera system, pedestrian warning gates and other safety additions.

This bridge project connects more than our two towns -- it opens up worlds of recreation, strengthens our tourism, connects us to nature, and provides a safe, exciting way stay fit. It’s also an example of government at its best, because the walkway is made possible through the cooperative efforts of State and municipal leaders who came together to make this long-held vision a reality.

Rehabilitation of the Swing Bridge (officially known as Bridge No. 01138) will begin in the spring of 2022 with a target end date of autumn of 2024. The cost of upgrades will be split. Funding for the bridge renovation (Project No. 40-141) and that portion of the walkway that is located on the bridge itself, will be 80% Federal and 20% State. The total is approximately $57 million.

For the portion of the walkway that becomes town sidewalk, including necessary retaining walls, the funding will be 80% Federal and 20% Town. The municipal portion is estimated at between $300,000 and $500,000, to be split between the towns of Haddam and East Haddam.

Surely this exciting new project will be a great thing to ponder during the dark winter days ahead!

Please feel free to contact me by email at Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Christine Palm
State Representative

This press release was produced by State Rep. Palm. The views expressed here are the author's own.