Army Corps to Remove Waterfront Abandoned Bridge

Friends of Bob Rodericks Campaign Press Release:

"I am pleased to announce a major development in my ongoing effort to transform a vital part of the East Providence Waterfront District. In September of 2019 I introduced a council ordinance seeking the removal of abandoned piers and the abandoned India Point Railroad Bridge. The ordinance received unanimous passage from the City Council. The India Point Railroad Bridge was a swing bridge which spanned the Seekonk River, connecting the City of Providence, Rhode Island at India Point to the City of East Providence at Watchemoket. It was last used in 1974. The original structure was a covered bridge built in 1835 for the Boston and Providence Railroad. After its closing, the United States Coast Guard eventually determined the bridge to be a navigational hazard. The City of Providence had ownership at one point but turned it over to the Federal Government. Many plans and years of discussion fell through and the rusting, dangerous remnants of this structure remained an eyesore and navigational hazard, keeping pleasure & business watercraft away from the East Providence side of the river.

Area waterfront businesses are obstructed by its presence and are limited in plans to expand recreational, business, boating and public access to the waterfront. The East Providence Yacht Club has the bridge practically touching its recently renovated building, deck, docks and property. Open views of the waterfront are totally obstructed from many angles. Expansion of public boating is prohibited due to this bridge and underwater hazards. I have heard from many boaters who will not enter the cove for fear of this hazardous waterway.

The removal of the unsafe piers and bridge remnant would greatly increase the quality of East Providence's waterfront and the potential for an increase in Rhode Island tourism. RI Waterfront Events / Live Nation at Bold Point Park continue to see many popular events. The removal and cleanup of this eyesore and water hazard will help the concert venues greatly.

Contrast this with the other side of the bay. Providence had its half of this old bridge removed years ago. The result is a beautiful India Point Park and recreation area. The EP side has been ignored for years.

When I first introduced the idea, I was advised by many that the Federal Government would never support the plan and bureaucratic red tape and cost would stand in the way. I sought the help of Congressman David Cicilline and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed. Their staff aides worked closely with me and the Army Corps of Engineers. Our City Waterfront District and Economic Development Commissions also supported the effort. I received support and assistance from Mayor Bob DaSilva and Director of Planning & Economic Development, William Fazioli.

I was pleasantly surprised but very pleased when eventually the US Army Corps of Engineers agreed to have the bridge removed at their cost. The remaining hurdle was that the private EP Yacht Club Owners would have to pay for removal of some piers and their docks temporarily, while the Army Corps removes the main bridge. This would cost the local business about $50,000. I met with the Yacht Club owners, Mayor DaSilva and Director Fazioli in August, 2021 and discussed the possibility of an EDC loan an other options for the business.

In May, the East Providence Economic Development Commission (EDC) approved a loan to support this project. “The EDC continues to strive to prudently support projects that assist in the economic growth and development of our City,” EDC Chairwoman Michelle Botelho said in a press release. The locally owned waterfront bar and grill owned by East Providence resident Mikel Perry & family, will do their part for this project. The business will remove the mooring pilings & docks so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can then remove the massive old bridge. This is a loan and not an outright grant. Work is slated to begin in the fall of 2022 with a completion date in early 2023.

Since my campaign began for the City Council at Large seat, I have stated my opinion that our East Providence waterfront has never realized its true potential. I am confident that the City has finally turned the corner of waterfront transformation which will benefit EP and indeed, Rhode Island. I want to thank my council colleagues for their support of my initiative and also thank the Perry family, Mayor Bob DaSilva, Economic Director William Fazioli, our EDC and Waterfront Commission and our congressional delegation. Working together we can move East Providence forward. Much more can be done in this area. I can’t wait to see our wide-open views of the bay when this work is done."