Sakonnet River Bridge — Attraction in Tiverton

Beyond simply providing a comfortable ride between Portsmouth and Tiverton, the Sakonnet River Bridge is a silent achievement of contemporary infrastructure, with a backstory that adds depth to its clean lines and efficient design.

The first Sakonnet River Bridge, a steel truss construction, was constructed in 1956 to replace the deteriorating Stone Bridge to the south. With its Pratt truss spans and raised central section offering both scenic appeal and marine clearance, it functioned as a crucial bridge over the river for many years. However, wear and aging had taken their toll by the early 2000s, and it was decided that a replacement was required.

The current bridge is a sleek box girder design that was finished in 2012 and opened to traffic in 2013. It is long-lasting, practical, and simple. It offers broad lanes, wide shoulders, and a pedestrian path that encourages cyclists and pedestrians to stop and take in the scenery as it gracefully carries them over the Sakonnet River. The new bridge is more resilient and accessible than its predecessor, but without the elaborate trusses.

Importantly, there is no toll to cross the bridge- a point of contention during its early years, when tolling was briefly proposed and then abandoned after public outcry. Today, it remains free to use, a welcome relief for commuters and...

The one boat dock is very inconvenient being there is only one ramp and it's tight. It's a strong current to try and idle while waiting for your turn to get your trailer. With all the fisherman on the dock and all the boats in and out you would think there would be a outhouse available but that's not the case so needless to say there's public pissing...

There are beautiful views going over the river at this bridge. I was surprised in seeing the lights this past Xmas… I was not aware that the lights would change color according to the programming. The color the lights were red and green,...