Slade's Ferry Bridge, Railway bridge over Taunton River in Fall River, Massachusetts
Slade's Ferry Bridge was a steel swing truss structure with two levels: the upper deck served the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad, while the lower deck accommodated vehicles. This dual-level design allowed the river to be crossed by both trains and automobiles at the same time.
The bridge opened in 1875 and replaced earlier ferry services that connected Somerset and Fall River. Following a ship collision in 1932, the original swing section was redesigned with a bascule mechanism to better accommodate river traffic.
The bridge served as a working connection between two communities that relied on each other for trade and industrial growth. Visitors could witness how the moving structure cleared the river for ships and then became passable again for trains and vehicles.
The bridge closed in 1970 and is no longer accessible to visitors walking across it. Your best opportunity to observe the structure is from the riverside paths or through historical photographs and documentation.
What made this bridge distinctive was its innovative two-level design that allowed trains and vehicles to cross the river simultaneously. This engineering solution was uncommon during the industrial era and represented a practical answer to growing transportation needs.
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