This bridge connects the Olneyville neighborhood with the Hartford neighborhood and Merino Park, which was the main park for both neighborhoods prior to the development of Riverside Park. There was an old wooden bridge that crossed the river at this location long before the construction of the highway, but when the Dennis J. Roberts Expressway opened in 1971, the old bridge was replaced with an overpass so that pedestrians could safely cross. The original overpass collapsed when it was struck by a tractor-trailer passing under in 1995, but luckily nobody was on the bridge at the time and the half dozen other cars on the road all managed to stop in time (although two people were cut by glass when a chunk of falling metal shattered their sunroof). The current bridge was rebuilt in 1997 with an ADA compliant switchback exit on the other side.
In recent years, two benches and an artistic bike rack have been installed at this grassy clearing along the WRG, which has the potential to become a pocket park. There is a lovely mural just west of here which probably nobody ever sees, painted below the bikepath on its supporting wall. It depicts a serene landscape that existed before the industrial revolution polluted the Woonasquatucket River, with Native Americans living along the river and enjoying its offerings, as well as the native wildlife that once flourished here. If you have time to explore, I've included a waypoint to a sign that describes how the Native Americans used this land, which leads to an open meadow below the bikepath where you can view the mural.
Please replace CC exactly where found (and as always - be wary of muggles)!
Greenway Hours: Sunrise – Sunset
Parking: There is a paved area for a couple of cars at the end of Sheridan St, as well as street parking on Sheridan and King streets. There are parking lots at Riverside Park and Merino Park.