The Mt Hope Bridge in Bristol, RI just might be one of its most recognizable landmarks, a popular path for those traveling between Bristol and Portsmouth along Route 114. However, this beautiful Rhode Island landmark is far more than a means to shuttle travelers. Once the longest suspension bridge in New England, it's also a true engineering feat.
Measuring 6,129 feet, the Mt Hope Bridge In Bristol, RI has been shuttling travelers from Bristol to Portsmouth and vice-versa since it opened in October of 1929.
Prior to the bridge's opening, travelers crossed Mount Hope Bay on a ferry.
The wire-cable suspension bridge featured a few distinguishing characteristics for the time, including sporting green paint as a way for the bridge to blend into the natural scenery that surrounded it.
"Artistic lighting" was also used to illuminate the bridge at night.
One of the most recognizable features of the popular bridge is, undoubtedly, its towers that measure 285 feet.
Unfortunately, the Mount Hope Bridge's history is also peppered with turmoil. Part of the bridge, in fact, was deemed structurally unsound.
As a result, part of the bridge had to be taken apart and reassembled, just four months before its scheduled opening date.
Traffic began traveling over the Mt Hope Bridge In Bristol, RI on October 24, 1929. This was just a handful of days before the Great Stock Market Crash, which would, in part, trigger the Great Depression.
The State of Rhode Island purchased the bridge in 1954. Today, an estimated 15,000 vehicles drive on the bridge, which sits 135 feet above the water, each day.
On January 31, 1976, the historic bridge earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mount Hope Bridge held the title of New England's longest suspension bridge until 1969.
That year, the Claiborne/Newport Pell Bridge opened, claiming the title for itself.
So, if someone were to ask you, “How tall is the Mount Hope Bridge,” you’d know what to tell them.
What do you think of Rhode Island's Mount Hope Bridge? Have you ever walked across it? If so, what was your favorite part? Have you ever enjoyed a visit to Bristol, Rhode Island? How about traveling across the longest swinging bridge in Rhode Island? Let us know about any or all of these questions in the comments!
Thinking about taking a vacay in or from Rhode Island soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
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