We’ve got a lot of one-of-a-kind destinations in Rhode Island, the kind of places that set us apart from everyone else. One of those destinations, however, certainly stands a little taller than the rest. The bridge to nowhere in Rhode Island boasts a long and storied history, capturing the imagination of passers-by with its, well, unique position.
Anyone who’s traveled through Providence has likely been distracted, at least the first time, by the drawbridge that’s just stuck up in the air.
For locals, however, it’s become a beloved icon of the city.
That’s how the Crook Point Bascule Bridge, which once shuttled trains from Providence to East Providence over the Seekonk River, got its nickname: Stuck-Up Bridge.
Dating back to 1908, the rail bridge had a fairly uneventful, although incredibly busy, lifespan, especially when the use of trains was at its highest.
Just as rail travel started to decline in the 1970s, the drawbridge began to need repairs to ensure its continued safety. That led to a catch-22 of sorts.
With train travel sorely lacking compared to the past, was it even worth it to invest unknown amounts of money for the upkeep of the Crook Point Bascule Bridge?
Ultimately, in 1976, officials decided it wasn’t, and the drawbridge was raised, effectively shutting it down permanently. It still stands that way today, capturing the attention of all who pass it.
The future of the bridge still remains uncertain. During the summer of 2021, Stuck-Up Bridge caught fire, which could have been devastating.
The good news is an inspection found the bridge is fine structurally as the community continues to consider ways to use it again, including turning it into a pedestrian bridge.
Have you seen the bridge to nowhere in Rhode Island? What do you think? Join the conversation in the comments! Then take a peek at these 10 weird Rhode Island laws that will leave you scratching your head in wonder.
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