A Short History of the Back Cove Swing Bridge In Portland

The Maine DOT has announced plans to demolish part of the old Grand Trunk Railroad trestle that crosses Back Cove in Portland from the B&M Baked Beans plant to the East End.

According to The Portland Press Herald, pieces of the trestle that hasn't been in service since 1984, have been falling into the water below. That's been creating a hazard for boats, so the Maine DOT will begin demolishing the East End side of the trestle up to the swing bridge. Demolition will begin on November 30 and should wrap up by the end of the year.

If you've driven in Portland on 295 over Tukey's bridge or walked the Eastern Prom, you no doubt have seen the Back Cove swing bridge now permanently set in its open position. Have you ever wondered why it happened?

What did it look like when this rail was in service? Here's vintage video of Grand Trunk passenger and freight trains crossing the bridge along with shots of the old Grand Trunk passenger station and rail yard at the corner of India and Commercial streets.