Rhode Island certainly has its share of eccentric attractions. After all, Rhody is home to the Big Blue Bug, among other things. But did you know the Seekonk River has a bridge that has been permanently stuck in the open position since 1976? If you've ever driven by our "Stuck up Bridge," you may have wondered if it's that way by accident. It isn't.
You'll find the Crook Point Bascule Bridge, also known as the Seekonk River Drawbridge (and the "Stuck up Bridge") in between Providence and East Providence on the Seekonk River.
And to those who live in the area, it has become somewhat of a charming local icon.
The bridge, which is a Scherzer Rolling Lift bridge, was originally constructed in 1908 in order to provide a direct connection to the old Union Station along the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad line.
The bridge saw quite a bit of activity, both from train traffic above and river traffic below.
Then, in the 1970s, the train travel began to fall off.
The bridge began to deteriorate as well. Maintaining the bridge and keeping it safe was very expensive, and the reduced train use really didn't justify the expenses.
Rather than make the necessary repairs or pay for the bridge to be demolished, the powers that be simply pulled up the draw and left it that way.
And for over 40 years, it has stayed that way.
You might think the locals would get sick of looking at such a structure. Instead, most seem to have a sentimental attachment to it.
And since there are no development plans for the near future, it's difficult to say when -- or if -- this bridge will ever come down.
Have you ever heard the story of Rhode Island's "Stuck up Bridge?"
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