The Eastern Prom is one of our favorite places to enjoy when the weather is warm. Heck, it’s pretty darn great in the winter, too! While we love the open space and views, it’s the hidden bits surrounding it that we love the most. The boats bobbing in the harbor, the islands off the coast and the curious abandoned bridge that’s accessible if you walk around the prom, towards the water.
Head north on 295 and look to your left and you’re likely to see an odd structure.
Google Maps
The structure, actually a swing bridge, sits in the Back Cove near the Eastern Prom.
coreytempleton / Flickr
It’s adjacent to the B&M Bean Factory.
samm4mrox / Flickr
There are a lot of questions about this interesting Portland mainstay…
michaelcr / Flickr
Why the train tracks to nowhere? What was it used for? And why was it left in its current (and permanent) open position?
Michelle Starin
The story dates back to the 1840s when the Atlantic and St. Lawrence railroad began connecting Yarmouth and Portland.
davidjlee / Flickr The swing bridge and its trestle were constructed to cross over the Portland peninsula. But, tall ships still needed to enter the Back Cover, so the bridge needed to open to keep traffic moving!
And move it did! For more than 100 years, the opening and closing movement of the swing bridge allowed for the passage of ships through the area. The tracks became an even more vital part of the city’s infrastructure when the Atlantic and St. Lawrence train expanded creating a link between Portland and Montreal.
Eventually, the Grand Trunk Railway used it.
Unfortunately, in 1984, the bridge was set on fire and damaged beyond repair.
coreytempleton / Flickr The damage was so extensive that the primary user at the time, Grand Truck railroad, didn’t feel it was worth investing the money in for repairs.
But it wasn’t all about cost. While the cost was high, changes in transportation needs meant that usage decreased. Passenger service stopped in the 1960s and with trucks doing more and more of the hauling, freight services that used the tracks had trickled away.
One day, a man was sent to the bridge to leave it in the open position for the last time. Service on the Atlantic and St. Lawrence line continued for many years, going only to the nearby B&M Bean Factory.
pavdw / Flickr Until, October 2015 when the railroad ceased operation to the factory, which was the only customer in the area. Today, the factory relies solely on truck deliveries.
If you’ve ridden the Narrow Gauge Railway along the Eastern Prom, you’ve lived a small part of the history of this bridge.
pavdw / Flickr The Narrow Gauge currently operates on the old tracks that led to it.
For a different perspective of the swing bridge, check out this beautiful drone video!
Google Maps
coreytempleton / Flickr
samm4mrox / Flickr
michaelcr / Flickr
Michelle Starin
davidjlee / Flickr
The swing bridge and its trestle were constructed to cross over the Portland peninsula. But, tall ships still needed to enter the Back Cover, so the bridge needed to open to keep traffic moving!
And move it did! For more than 100 years, the opening and closing movement of the swing bridge allowed for the passage of ships through the area. The tracks became an even more vital part of the city’s infrastructure when the Atlantic and St. Lawrence train expanded creating a link between Portland and Montreal.
Eventually, the Grand Trunk Railway used it.
The damage was so extensive that the primary user at the time, Grand Truck railroad, didn’t feel it was worth investing the money in for repairs.
But it wasn’t all about cost. While the cost was high, changes in transportation needs meant that usage decreased. Passenger service stopped in the 1960s and with trucks doing more and more of the hauling, freight services that used the tracks had trickled away.
pavdw / Flickr
Until, October 2015 when the railroad ceased operation to the factory, which was the only customer in the area. Today, the factory relies solely on truck deliveries.
The Narrow Gauge currently operates on the old tracks that led to it.
Swing Bridge Reflection, Portland, ME from YESAH DIGITAL on Vimeo.
For some other lovely examples of Maine bridges, check out these 10 wonderful covered bridges located throughout the state!
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