Historic Deer Isle Suspension Bridge
A 1939 suspension bridge over Eggemoggin Reach that nearly suffered the same fate as the Tacoma Narrows — wind stability problems discovered before completion forced redesign. Engineers added diagonal cable stays that are still visible today. It's the only road onto Deer Isle.
The Deer Isle Bridge opened June 19, 1939, after six years of community organizing, Depression-era grant applications, and a statewide referendum that approved the project three to one. It replaced a ferry crossing that had operated at roughly this site since 1792. Local businessmen were the driving force: they saw the bridge as a way to move granite from the island's quarries to the mainland more efficiently, and Depression-era PWA and WPA funding made the project feasible.
The bridge was designed by David Bernard Steinman and Holton Duncan Robinson. The main span is 1,088 feet, with a total length of 2,308 feet and 85 feet of clearance over the water. Before completion, engineers discovered wind stability problems — the same issue that would destroy the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940. Steinman responded by adding diagonal cable stays and rigid steel braces connecting the main cables to the stiffening girders. Severe storms in the winter of 1942–43 caused additional damage, prompting even stronger diagonal stays. The modifications remain visible in the bridge's distinctive cable geometry.
For Deer Isle, the bridge was transformative. The island's economy, culture, and relationship to the mainland shifted fundamentally with permanent road access. Every car arriving on the island today crosses what that six-year effort produced.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Open 24 hours
What Visitors Say
"Beautiful but a little nerve wracking to drive over…especially on the way to Deer Isle as that approach is steeper. Trucks must space themselves out due to weight constraints. I drive over the Penobscot Narrows Bridge several times a week with no issues…I let my husband do the driving when we go to Deer Isle as I prefer not to drive over this bridge."
"The bridge looks more intimidating then what it is. Going over to the islands it is steeper but more gradual coming back over. I have had a little issue with bridges since the I35w bridge collapse in MN and found this bridge easy to drive over. We went at the end of October and had no issue with Gail force winds and the bridge shaking."
"Tall, narrow, aging bridge connecting mainland to little deer isle. If you're scared of bridges this one might be tough for you, however I've definitely driven over sketicher ones. The sign telling trucks to spread out is a bit unnerving. That being said it's a beautiful bridge with many good photo opportunities. I personally felt safe driving over it."
Local Tips
- Bridge End Park on the Little Deer Isle side is the best immediate pull-off for photos and the historical marker.
- Morning fog over Eggemoggin Reach produces the best bridge photography — the cables disappear into mist.
- The bridge is narrow by modern standards; be attentive driving, especially in fog.
- Crossing on foot or bicycle is technically possible but exposed — wind on the bridge deck can be strong.
Connected To
- Bridge End Park — the pull-off immediately after crossing to Little Deer Isle; historical marker about the bridge's construction
- Pine Hill Preserve — short drive from the bridge on Eggemoggin Road, a geological rarity worth the detour
- Scott's Landing Preserve — 1.8 miles south on Route 15, where the original ferry crossing site history is documented