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Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

at James, Bridge St, Providence, RI 02903

clear skies (42°F)

Last Updated: 1:15am

The Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Providence River, connecting the east and west sides of the city. Originally built as part of the I-195 redevelopment project, the bridge was named in honor of Michael S. Van Leesten in recognition of his contributions to civil rights, economic development, and community leadership in Providence.

The bridge offers both functional and aesthetic value, providing a key pedestrian and cyclist connection between neighborhoods and serving as a public gathering space. The design of the bridge is modern, with sweeping curves and integrated lighting, making it a visually striking addition to the city’s waterfront. It plays a significant role in connecting various public spaces and has become a symbol of unity and progress in the city, reflecting Van Leesten's lifelong commitment to bridging divides within the community.

#pvdpedestrianbridge

Senior portrait session with Olivia from earlier today at the new PVD Pedestrian Bridge! .
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#seniorpictures #seniorportraits #providence #pvdpedestrianbridge #portraitphotography #canon #canon5dmarkiii
Dr Tremendanus and a Yuranian Alien hop a Providence River gondola ride with the theprovidencedrumtroupe on their way to their regular Thursday night drum jam on the #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge.
(Photo stills taken from PDT video)

lagondolaprov #gondola #gondolaride #provdowntown #providenceriver #bignazolab #providenceri #drtremendanus #yuranian #alieninvasion #shark #spacetransformationstation #theprovidencedrumtroupe #circusdynamics
Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge in Providence, RI.  I took this photo at night when my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew were visiting a couple of weeks ago. They love this pedestrian bridge, as do I.💙

#providence #providenceri #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #rhodeisland #lilrhody #bridges #bridgesofinstagram
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Red Scarves Across the River World AIDS Day even hosted by hello_apri. The red scarves along the bridge honored those who we’ve lost since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, recognized people living with HIV, and helped raise awareness about HIV. Thank you to all of those who volunteered, knit scarves, and stopped by. We greatly appreciate your generosity. Also, thank you to our partner plantcitypvd who made delicious red velvet cookies for the occasion. And finally, thank you to all of my colleagues at APRI who deliver critical services to people living with and at risk for HIV every day. #redscarvesacrosstheriver #worldaidsday #pvdpedestrianbridge #pvd #redscarfproject #plantcityprovidence
To The Beat! 🥁💯🥁
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👌🏽🔥🔥🔥♣️♣️🔥🔥🔥👌🏽
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Posted withregram • pilatesjen So fun watching my hubby yajnarom perform today! He joined theprovidencedrumtroupe in the park. 
Local friends: if you want to see more, the Providence Drum Troupe performs Thursdays at 6:30 pm at the #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge in downtown Providence 🙏
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#indianclubsofficial #indianclubs #positivevibrations #meditationinmotion #movementismedicine #hiyaj #collaboration
The Providence Pedestrian Bridge is our city’s newest landmark. Providing quite a view - the bridge connects Providence's East Side shops and dining to the Innovation District, with its bustling businesses. Snap some photos as you cross the bridge and experience the best of both sides when you eat and shop your way through the city. 

Check out the perfect foodie line-up for eateries highlighting the hidden gems both east and west via our Bea About Town Foodie Guide. #linkinbio
#providenceri #providencepedestrianbridge 
#rainynight #nightphotography #night_shooterz
#michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #providence_ri
Pedestrian Bridge, Providence RI 
Expertly modeled by m_piedmonte and Eric D’Agostino •
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#providence #rhodeisland #pvd #newengland #ri #brownuniversity #pawtucket #providencenightlife #providenceri #nightlife #usa #hookah  #eastprovidence #footbridge #pvdpedestrianbridge #photography #exploremore #travel
Ice cold 🍺 from guildpvd + weareburgundians 🧇 (most Sundays) + a sisterfriend extraordinaire 👯‍♀️ = happiness #intherhode 
if you are not already making Guild Sundays a habit, you are not too old and is not too late 😉

History

Taken in 1958 by Providence photographer Lawrence Tilley as part of the ongoing Historic American Buildings Survey, this photo documents the rare occasion of a parking lot becoming something better. Prior to becoming a parking lot, this area was filled with buildings, including the original location of Brown & Sharpe.

Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.

Contact Information

Providence Parks Department

1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence RI 02905
Roger Williams Boathouse
providenceri.gov
(401) 680-7201