If you are heading to Bailey Island and you don’t own a boat, you are going to drive over this bridge modeled after one in Scotland. You are also more than likely going to stop and take one or more photos. The bridge is constructed of locally mined granite cribs(blocks) that allow the tide to ebb and flow freely. Enjoy!
Steff D.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Portland, ME
History lessons with Steffasaurus: After a state law passed that allowed counties to fund bridge construction, in 1926 a contract was signed to construct a bridge between Bailey and Orr’s islands. Because of the ebb and flow of the tides, a crib bridge was designed using granite slabs from nearby quarries to withstand the wind and waves. It was completed in 1928. On July 19th, 1984 the incredibly unique(and potentially only one like it in the world), more than 1,000-foot long, latticed Bailey Island cribstone bridge was dedicated as a historic civil engineering landmark. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Yes, it’s a bridge. But it’s unlike any other bridge you’ll ever drive across. It comes out of seemingly nowhere on Route 24, feels EXTREMELY narrow and like it sits VERY close to the actual ocean, and is at just enough of a curve to make things feel dramatic if you’re driving even a tad too speedily(SOSLOWDOWN). And I love ALL of that! It also provides sweeping views of Maine as it’s most quintessential: ocean, pine trees, lobster boats, buoys, etc. Regardless of when you come: winter for the glorious, sparkling whites and silvers; spring/summer for the thousands of shades of green and blue; or autumn for the ever-breathtaking hues of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows… it’s beautiful round these parts.
