Carlton Vertical Bridge
Lift drawbridgeCarlton Vertical Bridge is a lift drawbridge with 10 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Open, it is charted at 135 ft.
Clearances are from NOAA chart US5ME1KO, measured to mean high water. Actual clearance is lower whenever the water stands above that level, as at higher tides and in storm surge. Always confirm against your vessel's air draft and the posted clearance gauge before transiting.
Pathr nautical charts
Carlton Vertical Bridge on the chart
Find the bridge and its charted vertical clearance in one view. Select a pin to compare nearby bridges, see open and closed clearances where charted, and open its operating details.
How to request an opening
The draw of the Carlton Bridge, mile 14.0, between Bath and Woolwich shall operate as follows: (a) From May 15 through September 30 the draw shall open on signal; except that, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., the draw shall open on signal if a two-hour notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge. (b) From October 1 through May14 the draw shall open on signal; except that, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., the draw shall open on signal after a twenty-four hours notice is given from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, after an eight-hour notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge.
Source: US Coast Guard drawbridge regulations, 33 CFR 117.525 (Kennebec River). Confirm before transiting.
Frequently asked
What is the clearance under Carlton Vertical Bridge?+
Carlton Vertical Bridge is a lift drawbridge with 10 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Open, it is charted at 135 ft. These figures are from NOAA chart data. Real clearance drops whenever the water stands above the level they are measured to, so leave a margin for your air draft.
How do I get Carlton Vertical Bridge to open?+
Contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM, or sound the required signal. Operating schedule: The draw of the Carlton Bridge, mile 14.0, between Bath and Woolwich shall operate as follows: (a) From May 15 through September 30 the draw shall open on signal; except that, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., the draw shall open on signal if a two-ho
Tides & conditions at this crossing
Clearance under Carlton Vertical Bridge shrinks as the water rises. Check the water level and marine conditions at the nearest NOAA station, Bath (1 mi away).
