Community Corner
Future Of Crook Point Bridge Uncertain Following Fire
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is determining the severity of the damage and if the structure is sound.
PROVIDENCE, RI — The future of an iconic Providence landmark is uncertain after a fire broke out on the Crook Point Bridge. Demolition is possible if the damage is too severe, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said.
The flames broke out on the bridge, which has been out of commission for decades, around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, WJAR reported.
The fire comes just a few weeks after the city of Providence outlined the plan to revitalize the bridge into a multi-use community center and art piece. According to RIDOT, the plan to transfer ownership to the city was finalized in April. Under the agreement, the transaction would happen in late July or early August, with the city paying just $1 for the property.
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However, the transaction cannot go through unless the bridge is structurally sound, and the transfer must be approved by both the Rhode Island Public Rail Corporation and the Providence Redevelopment Agency. Following the fire, RIDOT inspected the bridge via drone on Wednesday to determine if it is still stable, and contracted physical inspection on Thursday since it was still slick and smoldering as of Wednesday morning.
"If the structural assessment after this fire shows the bridge to be sound, the transfer can take place," the department said in a statement. "If it is found to be not sound, and if the City does not want to make the necessary repairs to make it safe, RIDOT would move up the demolition date."
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Currently, the demolition date is set for 2025. Because of the fire, the department acknowledged that it may have to undertake some repairs, "and will do so expeditiously."
The bridge has been a part of the city for more than a century. Built in 1908, it originally carried trains on the New Haven Railroad. In 1976, it was fixed in the upright position, and was acquired by RIDOT in 1981.
"The safety of this bridge has been an ongoing concern to RIDOT," the department said. "There is fencing around it, but people continue to circumvent the safety barriers and access the bridge."
Related: Providence Unveils Plan To Revitalize Crook Point Bridge
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