TIN BRIDGE
THE BOSTON & PROVIDENCE CROSSED THE BLACKSTONE RIVER
TO REACH BOSTON SWITCH
The Blackstone River was only a few hundred yards from Boston Switch. The first Boston & Providence bridge carried only a single track but was rebuilt in 1865 to 1867 for two tracks. It was called "tin bridge" because the wooden structure was covered with metal sheathing to protect it from sparks and the weather. In 1876 a new five span 380-foot covered wooden deck-type pin connected truss bridge was built. The replacement was still called "tin bridge" even though it was not covered with metal. In 1896 this bridge was replaced with steel plate deck spans to carry heavier loads. The wooden bridge was reported to have been in perfect condition when replaced by the steel bridge which was still called "tin bridge".
THE FIVE SPAN WOODEN TRUSS BRIDGE IN 1876
A Griggs Designed Boston & Providence 4-4-0 Assists In The Reconstruction Of The Original Bridge.
The view is from Pawtucket to Central Falls. The factory on the Central Falls bank made upholstery stuffing.
THE STEEL PLATE GIRDER BRIDGE BUILT IN 1896
The view is to the south from Central Falls. Pawtucket is across the river. Boston Switch is to the right.
Why the bridge was "famous" is unknown. It was considered a very dangerous bridge to cross because of the lack of walkways and the frequency of trains. It was a tempting shortcut because there were no other bridges nearby.
TIN BRIDGE VIEWED FROM ABOVE THE PROVIDENCE & WORCESTER TRACKS
SS-156 is to the right in this c.1956 view toward Pawtucket.
Photo by Edward J. Ozog
VIEW FROM REAR OF TRAIN TO PROVIDENCE EARLY 1930s
Photo by John W. Barriger, III
ALCO DL-109's AT THE TIN BRIDGE
Photo By Edawrd J. Ozog
The c.1955 view toward Pawtucket shows how the curve starting at Boston Switch continues over the bridge.
TIN BRIDGE FROM THE PAWTUCKET SIDE OF THE RIVER c.1959.
Photo by Edward J. Ozog
HIGH STREET UNDERPASS IN CENTRAL FALLS c 1955.
Photo By Edward J. Ozog
The underpass was about 200 feet from the Tin Bridge. Its narrowness allowed only one automobile to pass under the tracks and because High Street approached it at a sharp angle oncoming traffic could not be seen.
The large factory was located on the Pawtucket bank of the river at the end of the Tin Bridge
The eastbound freight extends to Tin Bridge and Boston Switch just out of sight on the left c.1959-1960.
SITE OF PLEASENT VIEW STATION IN PAWTUCKET
PHOTO BY EDWARD J. OZOG
The Providence & Worcester's branch from Valley Falls to the Wilkesbarre Pier in East Providence passed over the Boston & Providence a half mile from Tin Bridge. The left side of the bridge is in Massachusetts and the right side is in Rhode Island. Photographed early in 1961.