Crook Point Bascule Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crook Point Bascule Bridge |
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The abandoned bridge in 2016
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| Coordinates | 41°49′26″N 71°23′06″W / 41.82379°N 71.38497°W |
| Carries | New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad |
| Crosses | Seekonk River |
| Locale | between Providence and East Providence |
| Other name(s) | Seekonk River Drawbridge |
| Owner | RIDOT |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | bascule bridge |
| Material | Steel |
| Total length | 850 feet (260 m) |
| Longest span | 125 feet (38 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Company |
| Opened | 1908 |
| Closed | 1976 |
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The Crook Point Bascule Bridge, also called the Seekonk River Drawbridge, is an old railway bridge in Rhode Island. It crosses the Seekonk River, connecting the cities of Providence and East Providence. This bridge is a special type called a Scherzer rolling lift bridge. It has been stuck in an open position since 1976. Because of this, local people sometimes call it the "Stuck-Up Bridge." It has become a well-known symbol of old, unused structures in the area.
History of the Crook Point Bridge
The Crook Point Bascule Bridge was built in 1908. It was part of a bigger project that included the East Side Railroad Tunnel. The bridge helped connect the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad line directly to the old Union Station in Providence.
The Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Company from Chicago designed this bridge. It is about 850 feet (260 m) long. When it opened, it could lift to a 64-degree angle. This created a clear space of 125 feet (38 m) for boats to pass underneath.
In the 1970s, fewer trains were using the railway. There were also plans to take down Union Station. Because of these changes, the East Side Railroad Tunnel and the Seekonk River Drawbridge were no longer used. The bridge was officially closed in 1976. It was left in its open position so that boats could still travel freely on the river.
What's Next for the Bridge?
Over the years, people have thought about what could happen to the old bridge.
In 2003, a student named Robert Manchester suggested a plan. He wanted to develop the area around Crook Point. His idea included reopening the bridge and the tunnel. He imagined them being used for a light rail system. This system would carry people from East Providence to downtown Providence.
In 2006, Mayor David Cicilline created a group called Transit 2020. This group looked for new ways for people to travel in Providence. They studied the old railway line, including the tunnel and the bridge. They thought it could be a good path for a light rail or a bus rapid transit system.
More recently, in 2018, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) said they planned to remove the bridge. This demolition was set for 2026 or 2027. However, in 2019, the city of Providence offered to take ownership of the bridge. They hoped to save it from being torn down.
