Arkwright Bridge

Arkwright Bridge is a road crossing between Cranston and Coventry that spans the Pawtuxet River with a single-span through Pratt truss design. The structure features Phoenix columns and metal components that date to its original construction period.

The bridge was built in 1888 by Dean & Westbrook and replaced an earlier wooden structure that had stood at this location since the early 1800s. It served both Coventry and Interlaken Mills as a vital transportation link.

The bridge demonstrates engineering methods from the industrial period and served as an important crossing for the local community for more than a century. Visitors can observe how 19th century builders used metal components to create reliable river passages.

The bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic since 2011 but remains accessible for pedestrians to view its structure up close. Access is easiest from the surrounding streets in Cranston and Coventry on either side of the river.

This is the only bridge in Rhode Island built with Phoenix columns, a specialized construction technique from the American industrial expansion period. This method was more common elsewhere and makes the structure a rare local example of this engineering approach.

Location: Cranston

Location: Coventry

Inception: 1888

GPS coordinates: 41.73028,-71.54694

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20