A Mystic bridge operator guides vessels along their journey

Connecticut Public Radio

Published July 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM EDT

Chris Butler works as a bridge operator for the Mystic Bascule Bridge in Mystic, Connecticut.

“This is a bascule bridge, a swing bridge. In order to get the vessels from one side to the other, we gotta raise it so that they can get through to the other side. You can't really beat the views. You know, it's in what I think is one of the best cities — Mystic Connecticut — and I just like it.”

This story is part of Sounds of Connecticut, an ongoing series highlighting special moments across the state. Explore more sounds and stories here.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

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