Plum Island Bridge, Massachusetts, United States
4.0 (1 review) Spent < 1 hour Ranking #5 in Newbury Bridges
BASCULE BRIDGE ON PLUM ISLAND TURNPIKE OVER PLUMBUSH CREEK
The Plum Island Bridge carries traffic between Plum Island and Newbury over Plumbush Creek on the Plum Island Turnpike. Having driven over the bridge countless times before without having seen it in operation, I always thought of it as a stationary, non-functioning lift bridge until I followed another car into the driveway that is at a 45° angle from the eastbound lane of the Plum Island Turnpike. In the parking area there, I got views of the Newbury Salt Marsh and the Plum Island Bridge. This bascule bridge is a total of 134.8 feet long and has a vertical clearance of 13 feet at mean high tide and 21 feet at mean low tide hen the bridge is closed. At the end of the driveway, there is a large cross that is a memorial to Sgt. Donald Wilkinson, USMC. Along with his name, the cross is inscribed with: Freedom is not free. I learned that he was rotating out of his tour of duty in the Vietnam War and was heading home when the plane he was in crashed. Very, very sad. On October 8, 2017 which was the 50th anniversary of his death, the bridge was rededicated in his honor. I also learned that he was the only Newbury resident lost to that war. I think that the town of Newbury is fortunate in that respect. Although relatively short, I rate Plum Island Bridge / Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge at 4.0 partially for its scenic setting and for having the Newbury Salt Marsh, another attraction, in the immediate vicinity. I highly recommend a stop to take in both. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL.
Address
100-114 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01951
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 12:38
User Ratings
4.0 based on (1 review)
