The replacement of the Lagoon Pond Bridge on Martha's Vineyard has been completed, and the bridge can now open to vessel traffic, although it remains on its winter schedule until at least May 15 (at least 24 hours advance notice required), and construction equipment might remain on site into June, according to staff at Martha's Vineyard Marina. The new channel has a straighter passage and increased horizontal clearance – we will update the new horizontal and vertical clearances once they are official. From a Vineyard Gazette article:
Ayuthia, an 80-year-old traditional wooden sailing vessel, made the first official passage through the brand new Lagoon Pond drawbridge Saturday morning.
With gray fog hanging over Vineyard Haven, Ayuthia waited patiently in the Lagoon for the drawbridge to open, which it did considerably quicker than its predecessor, built in 1935.
Traffic barriers are not yet installed on the lanes of the bridge, which spans the channel between Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. State police were on hand to stop vehicles when the bridge opened at 11 a.m...
Continue reading Vineyard Gazette article and video: Ketch Ayuthia Makes Maiden Passage Beneath New Lagoon Pond Drawbridge.