Southport Island Swing Bridge

A rotating bridge to Southport Island across Townsend Gut

The draw of the Southport (SR27) Bridge, at mile 0.7, across Townsend Gut between Boothbay Harbor and Southport, Maine shall open on signal; except that, from April 29 through September 30, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., the draw shall open on signal on the hour and half hour only, after an opening request is given.

Photo 57b, July 2003

Southport Island Swing Bridge

Maine has very few movable bridges and most of them are very small. This swing span is among the largest in the state. The impressive through truss swing bridge operates for boats all year. The bridge is essentially an adaptation of Maine's state standard design for through truss bridges into a swing bridge design. For example, the horizontal member that runs through the center of the truss web of many fixed through truss bridges in Maine is also present on this swing truss. While the bridge uses modern red and white barricades with flashers and bells for indicating the bridge is about to open, the original lattice gates that were the first form of barricade on the bridge remain in place. They appear to have been designed to be manually swung into place across the roadway.

Photo 59b, July 2003

Southport Island Swing Bridge

Photo 60b, July 2003