The End of the Old Point Bridge and the Construction of Route 88
Posted on October 2, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
7 PM Wednesday September 16 at the Westport Grange 931 Main Road, Westport MA.
A discussion led by noted author Dawn Tripp with panel of guests including Richie Earle, Tony Connors, Howie Gifford, and Carmen Maiocco.
What was the defining moment in the 20th century for Westport? For many, it was the day that the old Westport Point Bridge was torn down. Shortly after Hurricane Carol struck in 1954, the state of Massachusetts took Horseneck Beach by eminent domain, and made plans to build an 11 mile highway straight down through the center of Westport. Route 88 was laid and a new bridge was constructed over the Westport River to replace the old pile and timber structure built in the 19th century to connect Westport Point to Horseneck. How did the demise of the Old Point Bridge reflect the coming of the modern era to a rural fishing and farming community in the post war years? How has the construction of Route 88 impacted the geography and character of our town?