The History of the Swinging Bridge as Featured In Memories of Maine Magazine
 Built in 1892, the Swinging Bridge has served many thousands of people of all ages. Photo Nancy E. Randolph | Originally built to accommodate woolen mill workers from a new housing development in the 17th Century, the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge (Swinging Bridge) has served many thousands of people of all ages who have used it to walk back and forth to school, to church, to entertainments, to visit family and friends, to shop, and recreation. It is an integral part of the Topsham and Brunswick community and a popular stopping point for people driving along Route 1 who want a scenic view of the Androscoggin River or a peaceful pause in their vacation travel. |
Completed in September of that year, the final construction costs tallied up to about $2,000, which, adjusted for inflation, would be about $56,700. The Topsham Land Company had intended for the bridge to be accepted as a public way when the bridge became a common necessity. They did not promise to maintain it.
After many years of refusing to accept the swinging bridge as a public way, in 1906, the Swinging Bridge was so designated. Brunswick and Topsham became jointly responsible for bridge maintenance. Between 1913 and 1916, the bridge’s timber-framed towers were replaced with steel presumably by South Portland steel fabrication company Meguire & Jones.
After many years of refusing to accept the swinging bridge as a public way, in 1906, the Swinging Bridge was so designated. Brunswick and Topsham became jointly responsible for bridge maintenance. Between 1913 and 1916, the bridge’s timber-framed towers were replaced with steel presumably by South Portland steel fabrication company Meguire & Jones.
| Disaster struck in 1936 as a flood destroyed the bridge’s decking and railings, sweeping away the entire deck and rendering it completely unusable. However, the steel towers and original suspension cables survived. The federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) replaced the span and resurfaced the bases of the towers with concrete in 1938. |  In 1936 a flood destroyed the bridge’s decking and railings, sweeping away the entire deck. Paul Cunningham collection |
This would be the last significant repair the bridge would receive until the turn of the 21st century. In 2000, a study jointly contracted by Brunswick and Topsham found the bridge in a distressing state: concrete abutments cracked, wood planks rotted, and rust covering every metal component.
With pedestrian traffic limited to twenty people and the bridge not expected to survive into 2010, Brunswick and Topsham appointed a committee of residents from both towns to raise funds and restore the bridge. The citizen’s group did just that. Securing finances from the Maine Department of Transportation as well as corporate grants and private funds, the group oversaw renovation and restoration of the swinging bridge, reopening it to the public 2006.
With pedestrian traffic limited to twenty people and the bridge not expected to survive into 2010, Brunswick and Topsham appointed a committee of residents from both towns to raise funds and restore the bridge. The citizen’s group did just that. Securing finances from the Maine Department of Transportation as well as corporate grants and private funds, the group oversaw renovation and restoration of the swinging bridge, reopening it to the public 2006.
 Kathryn G. Dodge, Ph.D., a great, great, great granddaughter of John A. Roebling, spoke during the grand-reopening of the Swinging Bridge in 2007. Photo Craig Snapp | Over the years, although nearly all the bridge’s components had been replaced—from the handrails, to the planks, to the beams—the original “Roebling wire rope” cables built into the structure in 1892 still support the bridge. The year after the 21st Century superstructure rehabilitation, saw the opening of public parks on either end of the bridge. Two of John A. Roebling’s great-great-great granddaughters attended the reopening and dedication ceremony on September 8, 2007. |
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge now spans the Androscoggin Riverwalk, enjoying routine foot traffic from Brunswick and Topsham--locals and tourists alike. In 2009, three citizens, Elizabeth Glover (Brunswick), Roger Caouette (Topsham), and Nancy E. Randolph (Topsham) created a 501(c)3 nonprofit: the Save Our Swinging Bridge Org with a mission to provide for the maintenance and the beautification of the historic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and its environment in order that the public may enjoy the benefits of an historic pedestrian bridge for transportation, education, recreation, exercise, access to river views and community and cultural linkage between the towns of Brunswick and Topsham.
Maintenance continues even during the pandemic. CPM Constructors with the guidance of Hoyle- Tanner Engineers inspected the bridge and performed all needed repairs (respectively). Funds for repairs are raised through annual 5k runs and 2k walks, donations for engraved bricks and contributions throughout the year.
This bridge is historic and an area icon that people support and use all year round. Donations will keep it swinging far into the future.
Maintenance continues even during the pandemic. CPM Constructors with the guidance of Hoyle- Tanner Engineers inspected the bridge and performed all needed repairs (respectively). Funds for repairs are raised through annual 5k runs and 2k walks, donations for engraved bricks and contributions throughout the year.
This bridge is historic and an area icon that people support and use all year round. Donations will keep it swinging far into the future.
This article was featured in the March 2021 issue of Memories of Maine Magazine. You can pick up your copy at your local retailer of magazines, or you can subscribe on their website!
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