Washington Bridge, Bascule bridge over Seekonk River, Rhode Island, US
The Washington Bridge is a bascule bridge with two parallel steel structures connecting East Providence and Providence across the Seekonk River while carrying Interstate 195 and multiple routes. The structure was designed to handle substantial traffic volumes between the two communities.
An original covered drawbridge from 1793 was the first permanent crossing between Providence and East Providence, replacing earlier unreliable ferry services. The current steel structure was built in the early 1900s and has undergone modernization since.
The George Redman Linear Park occupies a section of the original bridge structure and provides pedestrians and cyclists with a path along the Seekonk River. This section shows how residents use the bridge infrastructure for daily movement and recreation.
The bridge accommodates vehicle traffic on Interstate 195 as well as pedestrian and bicycle access. Plan for delays during travel, especially during peak hours, as the structure is undergoing modifications.
The 1930 bridge construction included stone monuments with bronze dedications to George Washington, embedding historical recognition directly into the infrastructure. These dedications are visible reminders of the symbolic importance assigned to the crossing when built.
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