If you’re sitting in a line of cars while the William Cribari (Bridge Street) Bridge slooooowly opens and just as slooooowly closes, letting a boat pass underneath, you’re probably not a big fan of the 133-year-old, last-of-its-kind-in-the-country span.
But if you’re strolling around on a lazy Sunday morning, the longtime ritual can be almost magical.
The hand crank on the William Cribari Bridge. It’s used now only if the mechanical crank fails.
(Photo/Tom Feeley)
That’s what happened last weekend. Jonathan Kaner was filming a campaign video for 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. He saw 3 men fishing on the banks of the Saugatuck River.
Suddenly, a police officer came by. The men greeted him.
Turns out, they’re the bridge opening crew. They were there to allow a small boat to go by.
Kaner’s tripod was already set up. He filmed the bridge opening and closing.
It took awhile, of course. So he sped up the video — 8 times.
Except for the boat. It cruises underneath at normal speed.
