Crook Point Bascule Bridge, Railway bridge in Providence, United States.
Crook Point Bascule Bridge is a steel railway bridge spanning the Seekonk River and connecting Providence's Fox Point neighborhood to East Providence. The structure extends for approximately 850 feet with its longest span reaching about 125 feet and was engineered to allow rail traffic to cross between the two riverbanks.
The bridge was completed in 1908 as part of the East Side Railroad Tunnel project, connecting the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad lines to Providence Union Station. It served as an important link in the region's rail network until passenger service declined and the structure was eventually taken out of service.
The abandoned structure in its raised position has become a fixed landmark in Providence's skyline, drawing people who want to see the industrial architecture along the river. Today, visitors use the surrounding area to walk and photograph the bridge, as it stands as a reminder of when this location was a vital transportation hub.
Visitors can explore the river and surrounding area from various public access points, with the Fox Point area offering good vantage spots. The bridge itself is not accessible for walking, but the area around the structure provides opportunities to appreciate the engineering and views from the water.
The bridge employs the Scherzer Rolling Lift design, which raises the deck through a rocking motion rather than using traditional pivot points like most drawbridges. This mechanical system is uncommon and makes this structure an interesting example of early innovative bridge technology.
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