Steinaker State Park | Vernal

The Sakonnet River Bridge is a concrete and steel girder bridge spanning the Sakonnet River, connecting the towns of Tiverton and Portsmouth in Rhode Island, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge features a continuous concrete deck supported by steel girders. It has a total length of 1,100 feet (335 meters) and a deck width of 50 feet (15 meters), accommodating two lanes of traffic in each direction. The structure is characterized by its functional, utilitarian design with concrete piers and steel superstructure.

Location & Access Logistics

The bridge is situated approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Access is via State Route 24 (Sakonnnet Expressway). There are no dedicated pedestrian or bicycle paths on the bridge itself. Parking is not available at the bridge structure; visitors typically access it via vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current Sakonnet River Bridge was completed in 2012, replacing an older structure built in 1956. The original bridge was a steel truss design. The current iteration was constructed to improve structural integrity and traffic flow. The Sakonnet River is an estuary, a transition zone between river and sea, supporting diverse marine life.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary function of the bridge is vehicular transit. Observation of the river's tidal flow and marine traffic is possible from passing vehicles. No specific visitor activities are facilitated on or around the bridge structure itself.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The bridge is equipped with standard highway lighting. There are no restrooms, shade structures, or food vendors directly on the bridge. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available across the span.

Best Time to Visit

For vehicular transit, the bridge is accessible 24 hours a day. Traffic volume is typically higher during morning and evening commute hours. Tidal patterns in the Sakonnet River can be observed from the bridge, with peak tidal flow occurring during full and new moons.

Facts & Legends

The construction of the current bridge involved significant engineering challenges due to the river's strong currents and depth. A unique aspect of its construction was the use of precast concrete segments to expedite the process.

Nearby Landmarks

• Fort Adams State Park (10km West)
• International Tennis Hall of Fame (9km West)
• Cliff Walk (11km West)
• Norman Bird Sanctuary (3km South)
• Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge (8km West)