Built in 1884 by the Union Bridge Company, the wrought-iron William F. Cribari Swing Bridge is better known locally as the Saugatuck River Bridge. Its narrow roadway, timber deck, and latticework preserves the feel of 19th-century engineering and it stands as Connecticut’s oldest surviving movable bridge. The bridge is a part of the Bridge Street Historic District and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting both its design and its role in shaping the riverfront village that grew around it.
Today the bridge remains a vital piece of commuting on Route 136 and still swings open for boats maneuvering the Saugatuck River. It’s a beloved town landmark and remains a focal point in local preservation efforts that balance safety, navigation, and historic.
