Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

Relocating Interstate 195 freed more than 26 acres of former highway land for parks and redevelopment. This pedestrian bridge opened in 2019 on foundations from the old Providence River highway crossing and now links the east and west banks with broad decks and terraces.The bridge is named for Michael S. Van Leesten, whose work in Providence connected racial equity, voting, workforce development, education, planning, and community power. The crossing is free and always functions as a public throughway, though weather, ice, crowds, events, and nearby construction can affect conditions. More

Relocating Interstate 195 freed more than 26 acres of former highway land for parks and redevelopment. This pedestrian bridge opened in 2019 on foundations from the old Providence River highway crossing and now links the east and west banks with broad decks and terraces.The bridge is named for Michael S. Van Leesten, whose work in Providence connected racial equity, voting, workforce development, education, planning, and community power. The crossing is free and always functions as a public throughway, though weather, ice, crowds, events, and nearby construction can affect conditions. More