Historic Bridges

The latest issue of Connecticut Explored magazine features an article about some of Connecticut's historic bridges, and it reminded me that Waterbury has two of the state's 45+ bridges listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Washington Avenue Bridge

Washington Avenue bridge, as seen from South Main Street.

The Washington Avenue Bridge is a lenticular truss bridge crossing the Mad River, in the heart of what was once a thriving industrial area in the South End. The bridge was built sometime around 1880 by the Corrugated Metal Company of Berlin, CT. It is one of only four lenticular truss bridges built in the United States by that company.

The Washington Avenue Bridge received its National Historic Place designation in 2001.

The bridge is owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, who presumably are responsible for maintenance of the metalwork (or lack thereof).

Sidewalk portion of the Washington Ave. bridge.

Decorative railing along the outside of the Washington Ave. bridge.

Finial on handrail of Washington Ave. bridge.

Sheffield Street Bridge

Sheffield Street bridge.

The Sheffield Street Bridge is a lenticular pony truss bridge crossing the Hancock Brook in Waterville. The bridge was constructed in 1884 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company. Although Sheffield Street is now a tiny dead-end road, during the height of Waterbury's industrial era, it was a major road connecting Waterville's factories with Plymouth and Bristol. The bridge is no longer in use, and is decaying steadily.


The Sheffield Street Bridge received its National Historic Place designation in 2001.

Sheffield Street bridge.