Kept Light Photography

Photography and Writing by A. Cemal Ekin

The new pedestrian bridge in Providence

The Providence River provides many opportunities for the town and its residents. There is the Water-Fire, rowing possibilities, walkways, the view it provides, and the new pedestrian bridge. It officially opened on August 9, 2019, and a couple of days ago, I went to see it with Jim. (He also wrote about the bridge)

The bridge looks almost like a sculpture with soaring wavy lines. It was clearly designed for visual enjoyment and appreciation, as well as providing passage over the river. When walking on the bridge, it is hard not to notice the convergence of shiny metal, warm wood, cool water, and the blue sky. The sky is reflected in the glass-like steel surfaces that hover over the river.

Partly due to its novelty, partly its convenience, and also because it is attractive, the bridge had many users. Two kids cruising around on their scooters were fun to watch. That may come to an end if the city imposes the anticipated rule that all bikes must be walked rather than ridden over the bridge. There were even people from out of town, accompanying their son who moved to Providence recently. They asked me to take a picture of them using their phone. Noticing that, another couple asked for the same. I was the designated photographer on call!

The skyline of the city still looks very attractive and maintains its texture from the turn of the 20th century. Many of the buildings are from the early 1900s, and the newer ones somehow manage to blend in. The Providence River relocation project from the 1980s exposed more of the river by removing the streets that used to go over it. At the same time, the railroad was also relocated to expose more of the river. All for the better.

After visiting the bridge, we went to Harry’s Bar and Burgers a little down the street. A fancy car went by. I managed to snap a picture. I thought it was an Auburn Boattail model, but I am not sure. As we went by a hair salon, the customer and the hairdresser were both good sports to allow me to take a picture of them too, thank you.

Here are some photographs, of the bridge, from the bridge looking into the city, along with some structural details of the new addition.

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Kept Light Photography

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  1. I shot sunrise and sunset images last Saturday. I posted the sunrise photos to FaceBook, but have not yet posted the sunset images. The bridge is getting plenty of use and is a great addition to the Providence attractions.

  2. Great photography as usual! You really captured the architectural style of that bridge. No I know I’m only one of a few, but I have to be honest, I do not like the style of the new bridge! As you mentioned in your blog, (and in my opinion) Providence has always been a city that is remincent of the 20s, 30s, and 40s era. To me this bridge just seems incongruous with the city landscape. I think something similar to the current Bridges further down the river with a little bit of a modern touch would have looked more appropriate. Just my thoughts. I guess that’s why I’m not an architectural engineer! Anyway, I know that it will get plenty of use, and we’ll save everyone a lot of time.

    • Sal, in some ways I agree with you. That’s why I mentioned that the bridge had some sculptural qualities, form before function rather than form following function. Maybe that’s the reason for the cost multiplying.
      Cemal

  4. Went past the bridge on my way home from the PawSox game last evening. Looks very attractive at night. Also noticed the fence barriers on the sides of the bridge have been removed. We need to revisit. You captured the architecture with style.

    • Thanks, Jim. We can make another trip later in the afternoon and wait for the nightfall. The barriers not being there will give better angles to see the structure, form, and its lines.
      Cemal