Earle Bridge, Worcester

Spanning West Street on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) campus, the Earle Bridge has been a vital and symbolic landmark since its construction in the late 1930s. Named after Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, WPI’s sixth president, the bridge honors his leadership in expanding the campus, including the development of Alden Memorial and Higgins Laboratories.

More than just a pedestrian crossing, the Earle Bridge plays a key role in WPI traditions. Every year, new students ceremoniously walk across it during Orientation, marking their formal entry into the WPI community. Years later, they traverse the bridge once more, clad in academic regalia, as they take part in their Commencement procession-a symbolic journey from student to graduate.

Beyond its ceremonial significance, the bridge remains a daily thoroughfare, connecting key parts of the campus. Whether used for routine crossings or momentous occasions, the Earle Bridge stands as a testament to WPI’s history, tradition, and the transitions of its student body.