Honestly, if you've ever driven the I-95 corridor between Baltimore and Philadelphia, you've crossed it. You probably didn't even realize you were 90 feet in the air until the wind caught your steering wheel. The Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge is one of those massive, steel-truss beasts that feels more like a rite of passage than a mere road. But for photographers, it’s a bit of a nightmare. Why? Because you can’t exactly pull over on a six-lane interstate highway to snap a picture of the Susquehanna River glinting in the sunset.
Getting quality Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge photos requires a bit of local knowledge and a willingness to get off the beaten path. Most people just see the "Subject to Crosswinds" signs and keep their eyes glued to the bumper in front of them. That’s a mistake. The bridge, which connects Harford and Cecil counties, is actually a gorgeous piece of mid-century engineering if you look at it from the right angle.
The Best Spots for Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge Photos
You can't shoot from the bridge itself. Seriously, don't try it. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is very strict about pedestrians on the span, and the lack of a shoulder makes it incredibly dangerous.
Instead, you want to head to Port Deposit.
There is a hidden gem in this historic town—a 75-step brick and stone staircase that leads you high above the street level. From up there, you get a "four bridges" panorama. You’ll see the Tydings Bridge in the distance, but you also get the CSX bridge, the Amtrak bridge, and the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (the US-40 crossing). It’s one of the few places where you can actually see the scale of the Tydings span without being stuck in traffic.
Susquehanna State Park (The West Side)
If you're on the Havre de Grace side, head into Susquehanna State Park.
💡 You might also like: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
The Rock Run Historic Area is great for general river shots, but if you want the bridge, you need to hike a bit. Some of the higher elevation trails, like the Deer Creek Trail, offer glimpses of the bridge through the trees, especially in late autumn or winter when the leaves are gone.
Basically, the "naked" trees of January are a photographer's best friend here.
Millard Tydings Memorial Park
Don't confuse the bridge with the park. The Millard Tydings Memorial Park in Havre de Grace is about two miles downstream from the actual bridge.
You won't get a close-up here. What you will get is the bridge as a background element for photos of the Havre de Grace City Yacht Basin or the lighthouse. It provides a nice sense of scale to the horizon. It’s a classic "long lens" shot. If you have a 200mm or 300mm lens, you can compress the distance and make the bridge look like a giant looming over the sailboats.
The History Most People Ignore
The bridge was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy on November 14, 1963.
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
That was only eight days before he was assassinated in Dallas.
Initially, it was just the "Susquehanna River Bridge," but it was renamed for Millard Tydings, a Maryland Senator who basically dominated state politics for decades. The bridge itself is a deck truss design, which means the "cage" of steel is underneath the road. This is why when you're driving across it, it feels like you're floating on a flat ribbon of asphalt over the water.
Technical Challenges for Your Camera
Bridges are tricky. The Tydings Bridge is mostly grey steel and concrete. On an overcast day, your Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge photos will look like a muddy mess of grey-on-grey.
Wait for the "Golden Hour."
When the sun starts to dip, the light hits the Susquehanna at an angle that turns the water into liquid gold. The bridge then becomes a stark, dark silhouette against that glow. If you're shooting from the Perryville side (the east bank), go at sunrise. If you're in Havre de Grace, go at sunset.
👉 See also: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
Dealing with the "Haze"
Because the bridge is over a mile long (5,061 feet to be exact), atmospheric haze is a real problem.
- Use a Circular Polarizer: This is non-negotiable. It cuts the reflection off the water and helps pop the blue in the sky.
- Tripod is Essential: If you're shooting from Port Deposit or the park, you’re likely using a telephoto lens. Even a tiny bit of wind will blur your shot at that focal length.
- Watch the Wind: Remember those "Crosswinds" signs? They aren't lying. Even on the ground near the river, the wind can be brutal.
The "Secret" Angle: From the Water
If you really want to win at this, get on a boat.
The Susquehanna is shallow in spots, but there are plenty of charters out of Havre de Grace. Looking up at the bridge from the water line is the only way to truly appreciate the engineering. The massive concrete piers look like cathedral pillars from below. It's a perspective 99% of people never see.
Honestly, it’s kinda humbling to see those millions of tons of steel hanging over your head.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the best possible shot of the Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge today, follow this exact sequence:
- Check the Wind Forecast: If it’s over 20mph, stay home. The camera shake will ruin everything.
- Navigate to Port Deposit: Specifically, look for the stairs near Main Street.
- Time it for Sunset: Arrive 45 minutes before the sun actually goes down to find your footing on those steps.
- Bring a Long Lens: Anything over 100mm is your friend here to isolate the bridge from the surrounding town.
- Edit for Contrast: In post-processing, don't over-saturate. Boost the "Whites" and "Blacks" to give the steel structure some definition against the sky.
By avoiding the highway and finding these riverside vantage points, you'll capture the bridge as a landmark rather than just a segment of I-95 traffic.