grant to help replace the 90-year-old bridge. Construction on a replacement bridge, which began in 1993, was undertaken in 3 phases in order to minimize the effect on both rail and marine traffic through the area: Phase 1 included the realignment of the approaches to the bridge, and the construction of the south span of the new bridge, which would include two tracks. The new south span opened to rail traffic in early 1995. Phase 2 included the removal of the old south span, and construction (In its place) of the new north span, which would also carry two tracks. The new north span opened to rail traffic in late 1996. Phase 3 included the removal of the remainder of the old structure, additional structural work on the new bridge's two spans, and minor cosmetic improvements in the area surrounding the bridge. This phase was complete in early 1998, and soon after Amtrak and Metro-North jointly announced the completion of the bridge replacement project. The new bridge has of horizontal clearance, which allows passage of marine traffic in two directions at the time, as well as of vertical clearance (When closed). Additionally, the new bridge has a ballasted asphalt-topping deck instead of an open steel deck, which not only produces less noise, but also makes bridge and track maintenance much easier. As on the old bridge, the new one has twin-parallel spans, but in addition to being capable of tandem operation, they are also capable of independent operation. See also Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company Car Barn History of Bridgeport, Connecticut Thames River Bridge (Amtrak) National Register of Historic Places listings in Bridgeport, Connecticut List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Connecticut References Railroad bridges in Connecticut Buildings and structures in Bridgeport, Connecticut Bridges completed in 1902 Bridges completed in 1998 Bridges in Fairfield County, Connecticut New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad bridges Amtrak bridges Railroad bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Connecticut Transportation in Bridgeport, Connecticut Bascule bridges in the United States Drawbridges on the National Register of Historic Places National Register of Historic Places in Fairfield County, Connecticut Steel bridges in the United States