Point Street Bridge 🇺🇸

Crossing the historic Providence River in Providence, Rhode Island, the Point Street Bridge connects the vibrant Jewelry District directly to Wickenden Street at the foot of College Hill. As you cross this landmark, you are walking or riding across the third structure built at this location, which was constructed by the Boston Bridge Works back in 1927. While it was originally built as a movable swing bridge, it has been permanently fixed in place since its mechanism was last swung open in 1959.

Interestingly, the downstream construction of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier in 1966 officially rendered its swing functionality unneeded by blocking large vessels long before they reached this crossing. History enthusiasts will appreciate its colorful past—after World War II, when the bridge was part of Route 1A, extreme heat on summer days caused the metal to expand so much that it occasionally jammed open. Emergency fire tankers had to spray water over the structure to shrink it just an inch or two so it could close!

Today, thanks to lane additions from the city's 2013 Bicycle Master Plan, you can comfortably explore this historic piece of Rhode Island infrastructure on foot or by bike.

What to see at Point Street Bridge

• Historic 1927 swing bridge built by the Boston Bridge Works
• Key connection between the Jewelry District and College Hill
• Site of historic mid-century summer traffic jams cooled by fire tankers
• Bicycle lane markings added via the 2013 Bicycle Master Plan

Visiting tips

Watch for the dedicated bike lane markings added in 2013 if you plan to cycle across from the Jewelry District over to Wickenden Street.

How long: 15-30 minutes · Best time: Anytime during daylight

How to get there & what’s nearby

Point Street Bridge is easy to reach on Providence’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Grace Church and Beneficent Congregational Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Providence travel guide.