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Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

at James, Bridge St, Providence, RI 02903

overcast clouds (68°F)

Last Updated: 4:19am

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.

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#pvdpedestrianbridge

📍#providence #rhodeisland #vincerowatches #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
Manchester street station
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#Sony #longexposure #longexposure_shots #architecture #night #providence #rhodeisland #manchesterstreetpowerstation #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge
#Eveninng #Sunset #photography #providence #rhodeisland #pvdpedestrianbridge
🌻 PVD appreciation post 🌻
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What a stunning sunset in providence tonight! Can you believe this is unfiltered!?
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#russillorealestate #rhodeislandrealestate #rhodeislandrealtor #rhodeislandhome #rhodeisland #providence #providenceri #pvd #1000suns #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #providencerhodeisland
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
Come soak up the summer with us at these upcoming gigs this month!!
195districtpark
worcestercenterforcrafts
thewilburygroup
fringepvd
#providencedrumtroupe #providence #pvdmusic #drumfam #drumtroupe #drummers #streetband #streetperformers #flowarts #spreadjoy #worcestercenterforcrafts #hotnightsinthecity #fringepvd #fringepvd2025 #wilburytheatregroup #195districtpark #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #sunsetcelebration
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

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