Nearly 200-Year-Old Sluice Gates Replaced At Guilford Marina

GUILFORD, CT — The nearly 200-year-old sluice gates at the Guilford Marina have been replaced, the town announced on Thursday.

Sound Side Construction installed the new gates last week. The replacement is expected to slow the current in the marina and improve navigation safety.

The original gates were installed in 1846 by the East Creek Meadow Owners Association to slow the rising tide and allow farmers harvesting salt hay additional time to work on the marsh, according to the town.

Guilford assumed control of the gates in 2003. With salt hay harvesting long gone, the gates' primary purpose shifted to reducing currents in the marina. The town said years of wear had eroded much of the lower portion of the structure.

Guilford applied for a permit to replace the gates in 2019. The permit was approved in 2025, and the $26,397 project was funded by the Marina Commission using marina fees.

The town said space remains available at the Guilford Marina for the 2026 season.

Six slips in the basin are available for residents with boats up to 20 feet in overall length, and six river moorings for boats up to 38 feet are open to all.

For more information, contact Dockmaster Rod McLennan at 203-453-8092 or info@guilfordtownmarina.com.