Suspension Bridges of Maine

This is a list of all 34 bridges from the suspension bridge inventory for Maine in USA. Wherever you see a Bridgemeister ID number click it to isolate the bridge on its own page.

Related Lists:

1853: Mill Pond

Kingfield, Maine, USA - Carrabasset River
Bridgemeister ID:45 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1853
Name:Mill Pond
Location:Kingfield, Maine, USA
Crossing:Carrabasset River
Principals:Daniel Beedy
References:AAJ, BPL
Use:Vehicular (one-lane), with walkway
Status:Replaced, 1916
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 57.9 meters (190 feet)
Deck width:15 feet

Notes:

Photograph, collection of David Denenberg Photograph, collection of David Denenberg

1856: Strong

Strong, Maine, USA - Sandy River
Bridgemeister ID:53 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1856
Name:Strong
Location:Strong, Maine, USA
Crossing:Sandy River
Principals:Daniel Beedy
References:BPL
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Replaced (last checked: 1922)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 77.4 meters (254 feet)
Deck width:13 feet

Notes:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1868: Wire

New Portland, Maine, USA - Carrabasset River
Bridgemeister ID:69 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1868
Name:Wire
Location:New Portland, Maine, USA
Crossing:Carrabasset River
Coordinates:N 44.890783 W 70.0925
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:BC3, BPL, GBD, LAB, RDH
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:In use (last checked: 2023)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 60.5 meters (198.4 feet)

Notes:

  • BPL says c. 1866. Historic landmark plaque at bridge also says 1866.
  • Extensive repairs, 1960.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1872: Gilead

Gilead, Maine, USA - Androscoggin River
Bridgemeister ID:2157 (added 2006-12-10)
Year Completed:1872
Name:Gilead
Location:Gilead, Maine, USA
Crossing:Androscoggin River
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1923
Main Cables:Wire
Main Span:1 x 58.5 meters (192 feet)

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

1883: Swinging

Skowhegan, Maine, USA - Kennebec River
Bridgemeister ID:1575 (added 2004-12-19)
Year Completed:1883
Name:Swinging
Location:Skowhegan, Maine, USA
Crossing:Kennebec River
References:KJ20030410
Use:Footbridge
Status:Collapsed, 1888
Main Cables:Wire (steel)

Notes:

  • KJ20030410: "[The] span collapsed in 1888: it turned out the steel cables were not all steel, they had a core of hemp, according to the history 'Skowhegan on the Kennebec'."
  • Replaced by 1888 Swinging - Skowhegan, Maine, USA.

1888: Swinging

Skowhegan, Maine, USA - Kennebec River
Bridgemeister ID:1576 (added 2004-12-19)
Year Completed:1888
Name:Swinging
Location:Skowhegan, Maine, USA
Crossing:Kennebec River
References:KJ20030410
Use:Footbridge
Status:Destroyed, 1901
Main Cables:Wire

Notes:


1891: (footbridge)

Lewiston, Maine, USA
Bridgemeister ID:264 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1891
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Lewiston, Maine, USA
At or Near Feature:Island Garden Amusement Park
Use:Footbridge
Status:Dismantled, 1903
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • Nancy Fraser writes: "The pedestrian suspension bridge [was] located at Island Garden Amusement Park in Lewiston, Maine. It started at the water gate house that you can see and led to an island over the water falls where they had entertainment. It was in existence in Lewiston from 1891 to 1903. It was later sold to Amos Gerald of Fairfield, Maine to be used for the trolley line leading to Casco Castle and Amusement Park in South Freeport, Maine."
  • Moved to (footbridge) - South Freeport, Maine, USA.
Photograph, collection of David Denenberg

1892: Androscoggin Pedestrian

Topsham and Brunswick, Maine, USA - Androscoggin River
Bridgemeister ID:101 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1892
Name:Androscoggin Pedestrian
Also Known As:Swinging, Androscoggin Swinging
Location:Topsham and Brunswick, Maine, USA
Crossing:Androscoggin River
Coordinates:N 43.918069 W 69.973122
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:John A. Roebling's Sons Co.
References:PPH19991019, PPH20050801
Use:Footbridge
Status:Destroyed, 1936
Main Cables:Wire (steel)

Notes:

External Links:


1902: Swinging

Skowhegan, Maine, USA - Kennebec River
Bridgemeister ID:1577 (added 2004-12-19)
Year Completed:1902
Name:Swinging
Location:Skowhegan, Maine, USA
Crossing:Kennebec River
References:KJ20030410
Use:Footbridge
Status:Demolished, 1936
Main Cables:Wire

Notes:


1903: Ticonic

Waterville, Maine, USA - Kennebec River
Bridgemeister ID:110 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1903
Name:Ticonic
Also Known As:Tupenny, Two Cent
Location:Waterville, Maine, USA
Crossing:Kennebec River
Coordinates:N 44.55073 W 69.62728
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Edwin D. Graves
References:AAJ, HBE, PTS2
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2009)
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 121.9 meters (400 feet)
Deck width:6 feet

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1931: Waldo-Hancock

Verona and Bucksport vicinity, Maine, USA - Penobscot River
Bridgemeister ID:175 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1931
Name:Waldo-Hancock
Location:Verona and Bucksport vicinity, Maine, USA
Crossing:Penobscot River
Coordinates:N 44.56 W 68.80333
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Robinson and Steinman
References:AAJ, ADDS, GBD, SSS, USS
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, heavy vehicles), with walkway
Status:Demolished, 2012
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 243.8 meters (800 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 106.7 meters (350 feet)
Deck width:27 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by R.T. Dowling Photo by Mike Seligman Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1936: Androscoggin Pedestrian

Topsham and Brunswick, Maine, USA - Androscoggin River
Bridgemeister ID:182 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1936
Name:Androscoggin Pedestrian
Also Known As:Swinging
Location:Topsham and Brunswick, Maine, USA
Crossing:Androscoggin River
Coordinates:N 43.917500 W 69.972520
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Works Progress Administration
References:PPH19991019, PPH20050801
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2020)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 101.2 meters (332 feet)
Deck width:6 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Travis Sparks Photo by Steven Smith Photo by David Denenberg

1936: Swinging

Skowhegan, Maine, USA - Kennebec River
Bridgemeister ID:363 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1936
Name:Swinging
Location:Skowhegan, Maine, USA
Crossing:Kennebec River
Coordinates:N 44.76244 W 69.72064
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Gerald Marble
References:KJ20030410
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2006)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 67.1 meters (220 feet)

Notes:

Photo by Robbin E. Lanpher Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

1939: Deer Isle

Sedgwick, Maine, USA - Eggemoggin Reach
Bridgemeister ID:193 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1939
Name:Deer Isle
Location:Sedgwick, Maine, USA
Crossing:Eggemoggin Reach
Coordinates:N 44.290167 W 68.691383
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Robinson and Steinman
References:AAJ, BBR, IT1999F
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, heavy vehicles), with walkway
Status:In use (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 329.2 meters (1,080 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 147.5 meters (484 feet)

Notes:

  • Gained much media attention in July 2018 when a bracket broke loose connecting the maintenance access cables to the main cables even though it had no impact on the structural integrity of the bridge.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photograph, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1993: Smokey's Dream

Hartland, Maine, USA - Sebasticook River
Bridgemeister ID:352 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1993
Name:Smokey's Dream
Location:Hartland, Maine, USA
Crossing:Sebasticook River
Coordinates:N 44.88943 W 69.46198
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:PQU
Use:Snowmobile
Status:In use (last checked: 2003)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 57.9 meters (190 feet)

Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell

1997: Hastings Trail

Hastings, Maine, USA - Wild River
Bridgemeister ID:335 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1997
Name:Hastings Trail
Location:Hastings, Maine, USA
Crossing:Wild River
Coordinates:N 44.35558 W 70.9923
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:PQU
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Span:1 x 54.9 meters (180 feet)

Notes:


1997: Wentzell's Crossing

Dixfield and Mexico, Maine, USA - Webb River
Bridgemeister ID:242 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1997
Name:Wentzell's Crossing
Location:Dixfield and Mexico, Maine, USA
Crossing:Webb River
Coordinates:N 44.556269 W 70.462605
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Mexico Trailblazers, Poodunck Snowmobile Club
Use:Snowmobile
Status:Extant (last checked: 2020)
Main Cables:Wire

2007: Aroostook Riders ATV Club

Houlton, Maine, USA - Meduxnekeag River
Bridgemeister ID:2543 (added 2011-12-31)
Year Completed:2007
Name:Aroostook Riders ATV Club
Location:Houlton, Maine, USA
Crossing:Meduxnekeag River
Coordinates:N 46.143899 W 67.822960
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Snowmobile
Status:Extant (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Main Span:1

Notes:

  • Intended for ATV and snowmobile traffic. Likely completed in 2007, possibly 2008.

2010: Mousam River Crossing

Sanford, Maine, USA - Mousam River
Bridgemeister ID:2542 (added 2011-12-31)
Year Completed:2010
Name:Mousam River Crossing
Location:Sanford, Maine, USA
Crossing:Mousam River
Use:Snowmobile
Status:In use (last checked: 2010)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Main Span:1 x 31.7 meters (104 feet)

(footbridge)

Fort Kent, Maine, USA and Clair, New Brunswick, Canada - St. John River
Bridgemeister ID:252 (added before 2003)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Fort Kent, Maine, USA and Clair, New Brunswick, Canada
Crossing:St. John River
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire

Print, collection of David Denenberg

(footbridge)

Pittsfield, Maine, USA - Sebasticook River
Bridgemeister ID:852 (added 2003-08-06)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Pittsfield, Maine, USA
Crossing:Sebasticook River
At or Near Feature:Manson Park
Coordinates:N 44.77880 W 69.37425
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge and Snowmobile
Status:In use (last checked: 2002)
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

(footbridge)

Rumford, Maine, USA - Androscoggin River
Bridgemeister ID:265 (added before 2003)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Rumford, Maine, USA
Crossing:Androscoggin River
At or Near Feature:Rumford Falls
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

(footbridge)

Rumford, Maine, USA - Androscoggin River
Bridgemeister ID:1696 (added 2005-03-27)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Rumford, Maine, USA
Crossing:Androscoggin River
Coordinates:N 44.55148 W 70.54430
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge and Pipeline
Status:In use (last checked: 2012)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Main Span:1 x 91.4 meters (300 feet)

Notes:

  • John A Roebling's Son Co. added the pipeline onto an existing footbridge. From a Roebling ad: "... supports a 400 foot section of the 30 inch diameter water line (capacity 12,000,000 gpd) across the Androscoggin River. A substantial saving was accomodated by erecting this bridge with its 300 ft. center span adjacent to and attached to an existing footbridge."
  • See (pipeline bridge) - Rumford, Maine, USA. The pipelines were constructed as part of the same project.
Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

(footbridge)

South Freeport, Maine, USA - Spar Creek
Bridgemeister ID:268 (added before 2003)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:South Freeport, Maine, USA
Crossing:Spar Creek
At or Near Feature:Casco Castle and Amusement Park
Coordinates:N 43.818492 W 70.114426
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Photos by John J. Turner, courtesy of David Emmith

(footbridge)

Stonington and Moose Island, Maine, USA
Bridgemeister ID:3062 (added 2019-10-26)
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Stonington and Moose Island, Maine, USA
Coordinates:N 44.151120 W 68.680937
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1
Side Spans:2

(pipeline bridge)

Rumford, Maine, USA
Bridgemeister ID:2035 (added 2006-05-01)
Name:(pipeline bridge)
Location:Rumford, Maine, USA
Principals:John A. Roebling's Sons Co.
Use:Pipeline
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:8

Notes:

  • Described in a Roebling ad: "...carries 900 ft. of a 14 inch diameter stainless steel pulpline [built for Oxford Paper Co.] over a canal and uneven terrain. It has eight spans, the longest of which is 166 ft. Rigidity of the suspension system was achieved by running a pair of tie cables from one anchorage to the other, connecting all tower tops. The cost of a steel trestle to support this pulpline would have been much higher."
  • See (footbridge) - Rumford, Maine, USA. The pipelines were constructed as part of the same project.

(snowmobile bridge)

Newry vicinity, Maine, USA - Bear River
Bridgemeister ID:2478 (added 2008-12-21)
Name:(snowmobile bridge)
Location:Newry vicinity, Maine, USA
Crossing:Bear River
Coordinates:N 44.52933 W 70.82639
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Snowmobile
Status:In use (last checked: 2008)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 32 meters (105 feet)

Notes:

  • Possibly built 1996. Sign on bridge says "Windy Valleys Sno-Mobile Club 1996".
Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell

(snowmobile bridge)

North Leeds vicinity, Maine, USA - Dead River
Bridgemeister ID:2480 (added 2008-12-21)
Name:(snowmobile bridge)
Location:North Leeds vicinity, Maine, USA
Crossing:Dead River
Coordinates:N 44.35437 W 70.15510
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Snowmobile
Status:In use (last checked: 2008)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 56.4 meters (185 feet)

Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell

(snowmobile bridge)

Roxbury, Maine, USA - Swift River
Bridgemeister ID:2479 (added 2008-12-21)
Name:(snowmobile bridge)
Location:Roxbury, Maine, USA
Crossing:Swift River
Coordinates:N 44.67360 W 70.60651
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Snowmobile
Status:In use (last checked: 2008)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 42.7 meters (140 feet)

Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell

(snowmobile bridge)

West Palmyra, Maine, USA
Bridgemeister ID:851 (added 2003-08-06)
Name:(snowmobile bridge)
Location:West Palmyra, Maine, USA
Coordinates:N 44.83099 W 69.40539
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Snowmobile

(suspension bridge)

Bowlin Camps, Maine, USA - Penobscot River E. Branch
Bridgemeister ID:277 (added before 2003)
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Bowlin Camps, Maine, USA
Crossing:Penobscot River E. Branch
At or Near Feature:Hay Lake vicinity
Use:Footbridge
Main Cables:Wire

Hastings Trail

Hastings, Maine, USA - Wild River
Bridgemeister ID:3222 (added 2019-11-11)
Name:Hastings Trail
Location:Hastings, Maine, USA
Crossing:Wild River
References:PQU
Use:Footbridge
Status:Destroyed, October 22, 1995
Main Cables:Wire (steel)

Notes:


Swinging

Fairfield, Maine, USA - Kennebec River
Bridgemeister ID:308 (added before 2003)
Name:Swinging
Location:Fairfield, Maine, USA
Crossing:Kennebec River
At or Near Feature:Mill Island
Coordinates:N 44.587477 W 69.593609
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • Crossed a channel of the Kennebec River to Mill Island. Appears to have been located at the coordinates provided here.
Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

Wiggly

York, Maine, USA
Bridgemeister ID:369 (added before 2003)
Name:Wiggly
Location:York, Maine, USA
Coordinates:N 43.136717 W 70.650033
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2021)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:1

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg


Do you have any information or photos for these bridges that you would like to share? Please email david.denenberg@bridgemeister.com.


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