Crook Point Bridge preservation bill heads to McKee’s desk

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Legislation aimed at the preservation of the historic Crook Point Bridge is headed to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk after winning approval from the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The bill would create the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent entity tasked with overseeing the future of the long-abandoned railroad bridge spanning the Seekonk River between Providence and East Providence.

The 113-year-old bridge has been abandoned since 1976 and remains permanently open to allow boats to travel through the river. Despite decades of inactivity, the structure has become one of Providence’s most recognizable landmarks.

The City of Providence is currently in the process of acquiring the bridge. If the legislation becomes law, the new authority would help oversee preservation and redevelopment efforts.

Under the proposal, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley would appoint the authority’s three members. Those appointments would then require approval from the Providence City Council.

The legislation gives the authority the power to raise and receive funding for maintenance, preservation and redevelopment projects involving both the bridge and surrounding property.

The bridge’s future has been the subject of debate for years. Nearly seven years ago, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation planned to demolish the structure, calling it a liability and an attractive nuisance. However, the demolition effort stalled after the Providence Preservation Society placed the bridge on its list of most endangered properties.

Ideas discussed over the years have included pedestrian access, recreational uses and other redevelopment opportunities.

The bill now heads to McKee, who will decide whether to sign the legislation and formally establish the Crook Point Bridge Authority.