Frances Appleton Bridge

Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge
Coordinates42°21′38″N 71°04′21″W / 42.360629°N 71.072423°W / 42.360629; -71.072423
CarriesPedestrians
CrossesStorrow Drive
LocaleBoston, Massachusetts
Characteristics
DesignDeck steel arch
Total length607 feet (185 m)
Width14 feet (4.3 m)
Height21 feet (6.4 m)
Longest span222 feet (68 m)
History
Construction start2016
Construction end2018
Opened31 August 2018
Location
Map

The Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Boston, Massachusetts that opened on August 31, 2018.[1][2] The bridge, which crosses Storrow Drive, is named in recognition of the celebrated courtship and marriage of Frances “Fanny” Appleton and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, after whom an adjacent larger bridge is named.[3][4]

Design and construction

Installation of the deck on the main span of the Frances Appleton Bridge

The Frances Appleton Bridge was completed in 2018, at an estimated construction cost of $12.5 million.[4] The bridge opened on August 31, 2018,[2] and is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The bridge consists of a contemporary tubular steel arch with a main span approximately 222 feet (68 m) long over Storrow Drive via a 14-foot (4.3 m) wide deck that accommodates both bicyclists and pedestrians.  The bridge is 550 feet (170 m) in length and was designed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act maximum slope requirements, and also to avoid large trees in the parkland while also maximizing views.

The sculptural curves and lightness of the bridge make it appear to float above the parkland and its Y-shaped vertical supports mimic tree branches. Aesthetic lighting complements the narrow-beam pin lights that illuminate the walking path, creating a safe and interesting destination at night. The bridge enhances its historic setting while providing greater access and visibility to all users.[5]

Frances Appleton Bridge Naming Plaque

References

  1. ^ MassDOT. "Longfellow Bridge". Archived from the original on 28 March 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
  2. ^ a b @MassDot (31 August 2018). "#Boston: new Fanny Appleton Pedestrian Bridge now open ahead of schedule! @MassDCR" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Session Law". Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  4. ^ a b Murphy, Dan (July 22, 2015). "New Foot Bridge to be Next to Longfellow". Beacon Hill Times. Independent Newspaper Group. Retrieved 2015-07-24.
  5. ^ "Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge". Boston Preservation Alliance. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
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