Henderson Bridge

Henderson Bridge is a steel structure that spans the Seekonk River and links Providence's East Side to neighborhoods in East Providence. The crossing accommodates three traffic lanes plus a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists.

Engineer George Henderson designed this bridge in 1969 as a replacement for the Red Bridge built in 1895, continuing a long succession of crossings at this location. The site had seen several generations of bridge construction since 1793, each responding to changing transportation needs.

The bridge reconstruction project reflects Rhode Island's commitment to modernizing infrastructure while preserving connections between long-established communities on both sides of the river.

The bridge features a protected area for cyclists and pedestrians that connects to existing bicycle networks on both sides of the river. Visitors should note that the post-2023 renovation improvements make crossing more comfortable and accessible.

During its recent overhaul, the bridge was reduced from six traffic lanes to three, freeing substantial land for new development along the riverfront. This scaling down also dramatically changed the visual presence of the structure in relation to the surrounding area.