Mystic River Bascule Bridge

.product_section .product_form, .product_gallery { opacity: 1; } .multi_select, form .select { display: block !important; } .image-element__wrap { display: none; }

June 14, 2017 1 min read 6 Comments

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 engineerThomas 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.

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.

6 Responses

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!

Matt Beaudoin

February 12, 2019

The bridge cam is working, NEST changed their software and you need to click play now to get it going. Also, the bridge operates on demand this time of year, but once we get to Spring, it opens every hour on the 40 minutes after (2:40) until late October. I don’t have the schedule in front of me, but in February, it will be a long stare down with the camera… but you will find some interesting driving techniques :)

Raul Del Fabbro

February 12, 2019

Been looking out for the bridge to rise, but not seen it once – it’s now just gone 09h30 Mystic time and the bridge hasn’t moved. When do they actually raise it?

Nancy Davis

December 16, 2018

Love checking on what’s happening in my home region from my desk in Annapolis -thank you for maintaining the camera!!

Richard A Nadeau

November 15, 2018

The bridge - What happened to the bridge …. Is it enclosed in fog ??? Oh, just a camera malfunction..
Love the view – thanks for sharing.

Nashville, TN ..

Ed Spinney

July 01, 2017

When and were will the next north American meeting be held for the igktab?

Comments will be approved before showing up.