Mount Hope Bridge

The Mount Hope Bridge is one of only 2 suspension bridges in Rhode Island (the other is the Claiborne Pell Bridge). It is known for its attractive stiffening truss, stunning gothic towers, and unique arched details on the approach spans. In addition, the bridge was painted green to match the landscape. Although this is common now, it was uncommon at the time, when bridges were typically painted black and grey.

Construction on the bridge began on December 1, 1927, using a design by Robinson & Steinman. The contractor, McClintic Marshall, proposed using a new heat-treated suspension wire, instead of the traditional cold-drawn wire. Steinman was against the use of the new cable, but his partner Robinson convinced him to approve it. Just four months before the bridge was set to open, it was discovered that the wires were breaking, and were unsafe to use. The stiffening trusses had to be dismantled and were reassembled using the traditional cold-drawn wire.

The bridge finally opened in 1929, just 5 days before the stock market crash. The bridge was owned and operated as a private toll bridge by the Mount Hope Bridge Company. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt by 1931, and the prominent local brewer Rudolf F. Haffenreffer acquired the bridge in receivership.

In 1954, the bridge was purchased by the State of Rhode Island, and is now administered by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, which succeeded the Mount Hope Bridge Authority in 1964. The bridge remained a toll bridge until May 1, 1998, when it transitioned to a free bridge. The tolls on the nearby Claiborne Pell Bridge cover the maintenance needs for this bridge.