I like bridges. Why, may you ask? I grew up in NYC, where if I went to the top of my block — on a clear day — I was able to see 3 large bridges(The Whitestone, Throgs Neck and George Washington). There is something about a bridge that I guess I find cool? It’s size, it’s aesthetics and utility to transport and connect so many people. I can look at bridges all day and be like«how the fuck did they manage to plan and build this gargantuan thing!?» Well enough of me waxing poetic about bridges. The MHB reminds me a bit of home and I just love the older design(sorta looks like a miniature version of the Golden Gate) and the fact that its two lanes(one lane in each direction). So unlike NYC bridges or even the Claiborne Pell in Newport, this bridge never has traffic jams and you can take your time cruising over this beauty. Probably my favorite about this bridge is the views, as you climb the span in either direction, you have AMAZING views of the bay and a birds-eye view of Bristol or Jamestown, depending on which way your going. And the cherries on top? No toll and the bridge is pedestrian/bike friendly, although I wouldn’t recommend walking on the ‘sidewalk’ portion as its very narrow and the fencing is pretty low; one wrong step I feel and you’re taking an unexpected plunge into Narragansett Bay! Fears of falling into the bay aside, this bridge is great and is worth a cruise over on a beautiful day!
Stephen G.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Middleboro, MA
Once upon a time you were Rhode Island’s engineering marvel. Older than the Golden Gate Bridge, longer than the Brooklyn Bridge. Over a mile long and 285 feet tall, the Mount Hope Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in New England for over 40 years! Then, the«Claiborne Pell Bridge» opened just down the waterway. The who you ask? Right, the Newport Bridge was renamed in 1992 after a senator but no matter because no one in Rhode Island rightfully recognizes it. While the Newport Bridge is longer, taller and yes even celebrated on the state quarter its missing much of the character, charm and jaw dropping awe of the Mount Hope Bridge. See the MHB is only a double lane bridge. That is a single lane in each direction. This one key aspect of the bridge makes it unique and provides for a hair rising experience if you have any issues at all driving at such heights. Cool Narraganset Bay mornings often surround the bridge in dense fog, ive seen the top of the bridge disappear into the clouds as you seemingly drive into the heavens. Tall, long and slender, you are dramatic and elegant. Its amazing that bicyclist can cross. Ive never seen one do it but I’ve heard its possible. There are extremely narrow sidewalks with guard rails that don’t seem to reach my waist. While it contributes to beautiful unobstructed views it seems incredibly dangerous as one mistake or brisk wind could pushes you onto the road or over the side-take your pick. Another distinguishing aspect of the bridge is that it sprouts across two residential neighborhoods. Usually such structures live to connect highways across to busy urban areas. Not so here, its hunny look at the swing set in the backyard, oh that’s a nice color for the house and then oh, hello striking suspension bridge. No tolls even, I guess Bristol RI is just not cool enough for a cover charge. Im usually torn between the awe inspiring views and white knuckled steering wheel clutch as I try to avoid my hyper brains imagery of a head on collision and car hurling over the bridge side and plunging into the cold bay but its ok because I escape through the window but then a shark nibbles on me and then… ok time to end this. Would such a suspension bridge be built again with just one direction lane? Probably not, exactly why this bridge is so much cooler than the dime a dozen big brother with all the glory.
