Mystic River Bascule Bridge - Mystic Drawbridge Webcam
The Mystic River Bascule Bridge (often called the Mystic Drawbridge) was built in 1922. The bridge opens, drawbridge-style, to let boats up and down the Mystic River. When it's closed, locals and tourists alike travel over it to visit many destinations along Main St. and beyond. The bridge is raised every hour at 40 minutes after the hour between 8:40 am and 6:40 pm.
If you're not familiar with the term, a Bascule Bridge is one that can be raised or lowered using counterweights (bascule is the French word for seesaw). What makes the Mystic bridge even more interesting is the fact that the mechanism that's used to raise and lower the bridge is not enclosed, so you can see all the moving parts. This particular style of Bascule Bridge was patented by New York City engineer Thomas E. Brown in 1918. No doubt an engineering marvel of its time, it's still fascinating to watch now.
When we opened our newest shop, Matt thought the lighthouse in our building would give the perfect view of the bridge. He installed a webcam 30 feet up inside the lighthouse and we've launched a live feed of the Downtown Mystic Bascule Bridge on our website. Whether you are located far away and missing the sight of Mystic, or are a local who wants to know just how busy it is downtown, we've got you covered.
Mystic River Bascule Bridge
One of the best things about the bridge is that once per hour the bridge reminds us to slow down and enjoy the view. We hope you enjoy it; you can click here to share it with your friends.
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Raul Del Fabbro
March 11, 2019
Thanks for the heads-up, Matt, I’ll check it out later in the year. For now, just looking at the snow on the ground makes a cooling difference when you’re sitting in Johannesburg at 89°F – and yes, I have seen some interesting driving techniques!