Duck River Cemetery Plans Summer Bridge Replacement, Limited Access to Some Sections

OLD LYME, CT – The nonprofit Old Lyme Cemetery Association (OLCA) is preparing to replace the aging bridge over the Duck River within Duck River Cemetery, a project anticipated to take place from July through September of next year.

The association in a news release said the cemetery’s Ancient, Victorian, and Lily Pond sections will remain accessible through the McCurdy Road entrance during construction. Sections east of the bridge – Ledges, Meadow Ridge, Gates and Middle – will be closed to visitors except by appointment.

OLCA will construct a temporary access road across private property connecting the cemetery to Library Lane so funeral services, burials, and cemetery maintenance operations can continue in sections that would otherwise be inaccessible during construction.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2027, when the road will be restricted to authorized funeral and cemetery maintenance vehicles and closed between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. It will not be available for general public, pedestrian or recreational use. The OLCA said it has obtained permission from the cooperating property owners as well as the necessary permits.

Once the bridge replacement is complete, the temporary road will no longer be needed. The property used for the temporary road will be restored to its original condition within six months of completion of the bridge project, in accordance with arrangements made with the property owners and regulatory authorities.

Questions about the temporary access road or the bridge replacement project may be directed to the OLCA at olcemeteryassociation@gmail.com. Updates will be posted at oldlymecemeteries.org.