We’ve got a lot of one-of-a-kind destinations in Rhode Island, the kind of places that set us apart from everyone else. One of those destinations, however, certainly stands a little taller than the rest. The bridge to nowhere in Rhode Island boasts a long and storied history, capturing the imagination of passers-by with its, well, unique position.

Anyone who’s traveled through Providence has likely been distracted, at least the first time, by the drawbridge that’s just stuck up in the air.
Flickr/Matthew Ward
For locals, however, it’s become a beloved icon of the city.
That’s how the Crook Point Bascule Bridge, which once shuttled trains from Providence to East Providence over the Seekonk River, got its nickname: Stuck-Up Bridge.
Wikipedia/Matthew Ward
Dating back to 1908, the rail bridge had a fairly uneventful, although incredibly busy, lifespan, especially when the use of trains was at its highest.
Wikipedia/Pi.1415926535
Just as rail travel started to decline in the 1970s, the drawbridge began to need repairs to ensure its continued safety. That led to a catch-22 of sorts.
Wikimedia Commons/Matt Cloutier

Related Stories

Walk Across The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge For A Gorgeous View Of Rhode Island's Fall Colors

Walk Across The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge For A Gorgeous View Of Rhode Island's Fall Colors

 The Stunning Building In Barrington, Rhode Island That Looks Just Like Hogwarts

The Stunning Building In Barrington, Rhode Island That Looks Just Like Hogwarts

 There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Bristol, Rhode Island

There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Bristol, Rhode Island
With train travel sorely lacking compared to the past, was it even worth it to invest unknown amounts of money for the upkeep of the Crook Point Bascule Bridge?
Wikimedia Commons/Matt Cloutier
Ultimately, in 1976, officials decided it wasn’t, and the drawbridge was raised, effectively shutting it down permanently. It still stands that way today, capturing the attention of all who pass it.
Flickr/Adnan Islam
The future of the bridge still remains uncertain. During the summer of 2021, Stuck-Up Bridge caught fire, which could have been devastating.
Wikimedia Commons/Waz8
The good news is an inspection found the bridge is fine structurally as the community continues to consider ways to use it again, including turning it into a pedestrian bridge.
Wikimedia Commons/Rhododendrites

Have you seen the bridge to nowhere in Rhode Island? What do you think? Join the conversation in the comments! Then take a peek at these 10 weird Rhode Island laws that will leave you scratching your head in wonder.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Rhode Island

Featured Addresses
Seekonk River, Rhode Island, USA