Who says landmarks have to be pretty? In Rhode Island, an abandoned bridge to nowhere covered in rust and graffiti has become a long-standing and distinctive feature of the landscape. This urban icon has stood deserted with its steel drawbridge span pointed upwards towards the sky since 1976.
Crook Point Bascule Bridge was built in 1908, connecting the cities of Providence and East Providence. It was part of the East Side Railroad Tunnel project, providing a direct connection to the old Union Station on the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad line.
Wikimedia Commons/Adnan Islam
The drawbridge stretches 850 feet across the Seekonk River. From the early 1900s through the mid-1970s this railroad bridge was very active with trains speeding across the waterway frequently.
Wikimedia Commons/Pi.1415926535
The drawbridge portion lifts to a 64-degree angle creating a 125-foot wide passageway for boats. As the train traffic dwindled, the railroad did not generate enough income to continue raising and lowering the bridge for the watercraft.
Flickr/Matthew Ward
In 1976, the drawbridge was raised one last time and abandoned. Since then, the Crook Point Bascule Bridge has been referred to by locals as “The Stuck-Up Bridge”.
Wikimedia Commons/Rhododendrites
This landmark still stands proudly above the river even in its slow decline or rust and rot. The abandoned bridge is the star to many shots of local photographers. And in its upright position, the Crook Point Bascule Bridge seems to stand guard between the two cities.
Wikimedia Commons/Matthew Ward
Have you ever seen this abandoned bridge in person? Check out even more of Rhode Island’s defunct railway past by taking a virtual visit to this deserted train station.
Wikimedia Commons/Adnan Islam
Wikimedia Commons/Pi.1415926535
Flickr/Matthew Ward
Wikimedia Commons/Rhododendrites
Wikimedia Commons/Matthew Ward
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