Ledge Lighthouse in New London undergoes repairs

NEW LONDON, CT (WFSB) - The New London Ledge Lighthouse, a historic landmark dating back to 1909, is undergoing extensive repairs to preserve its structure.

Crews have been working for the past three weeks to restore the original brickwork and address structural issues.

The restoration project, costing approximately $250,000, focuses on repairing steel beams that have been compromised by seawater exposure.

“The brick walls can absorb sea water. So, as they’ve been absorbing, it’s been slowly corroding the steel and it starts to expand,” explained Bruce Buckley of the Ledge Light Foundation.

The renovations are vital for maintaining the lighthouse’s safety.

Many bricks have become irreparable, the landing collar is deteriorating, and the connectors to the downspouts are suffering from rust and water damage.

Beth Acly from Cirrus Structural Engineering emphasized the importance of regular maintenance for historical buildings, especially those exposed to salt air.

The lighthouse has been inactive since 1987, but it remains a popular destination, offering tours of its three-story interior.

Most of the structure remains original, requiring only minor upkeep over the years.

The Ledge Light Foundation oversees daily operations and has initiated projects to enhance the lighthouse, including the installation of solar panels.

Looking ahead, the upcoming National Coast Guard Museum, set to open in New London in 2026, is expected to draw more visitors to the area, benefiting both the lighthouse and the foundation.

This influx of tourists will help offset additional repair costs needed to ensure the lighthouse stands for another 115 years.

To support these efforts, the foundation has launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $25,000 for repairs and preservation initiatives.