The Boston University Bridge: History, Construction, and Transformation
The Boston University Bridge, an iconic structure connecting Boston and Cambridge over the Charles River, stands as a testament to the evolving transportation needs and urban development of the region. This article delves into the history of the bridge, its construction, the challenges it has faced, and its significance to the Boston University community and the wider area.
From West Boston Bridge to BU Bridge: A Historical Overview
The story of the BU Bridge begins with the West Boston Bridge, the first bridge to span the Charles River between Cambridge and Boston. Constructed in 1793, this initial crossing played a pivotal role in fostering commercial development and urban settlement in both cities. It also paved the way for the expansion of public transit, catering to the needs of a growing urban population.
As transportation demands increased, the West Boston Bridge was replaced twice at the same location. In 1854, a new bridge was built, followed by another in 1907. The bridge of 1850s was a drawbridge called the Brookline Bridge. Renovated in the 1920s, it was renamed the Cottage Farm Bridge. These successive iterations reflected the changing engineering practices and the increasing volume of traffic crossing the Charles River.
In 1949, the bridge underwent a significant transformation when it was renamed the Boston University Bridge. This change was the result of a campaign by Boston University students who advocated for the bridge to be named in honor of the university, which is located at the southern end of the bridge. State Senator John E. Powers supported the proposal, and the renaming was officially approved. The renaming was celebrated with a parade of ROTC members and “pretty Boston University coeds”.
Architectural and Structural Features
The BU Bridge is an 81-year-old steel truss bridge with a central steel arch painted green. Its design was influenced by the industrial needs of the time, specifically the need to accommodate coal barges delivering fuel to the Blackstone Power Station. This requirement led to the bridge being built high above the river at a narrow bend, providing distinctive views of the Back Bay, the downtown skyline, the Citgo sign, Beacon Hill, the Esplanade, and the sailboats on the river.
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Beneath the BU Bridge, a steel-plate girder railroad bridge, built in 1927, carries the CSX Transportation Grand Junction Line. This rail line, which formerly had two tracks but now has one, is used for freight transport. The presence of the railroad bridge creates a unique "double-transport, scissors-like structure."
The Urban Canvas: Graffiti and the Railroad Bridge
The railroad bridge beneath the BU Bridge has become an “urban canvas,” adorned with graffiti. The graffiti includes school logos from MIT to Tufts, crew squads, and other tags, some dating back to 1997. While defacing the bridge is technically illegal, the graffiti has become a part of the bridge's character.
Structural Challenges and Rehabilitation Efforts
Over the years, the BU Bridge has faced structural challenges due to neglect and wear. By 2008, the bridge deck, sidewalks, and vehicular surface were in severe disrepair, with holes in the deck revealing the water below. The iron stairs leading from Storrow Drive were also heavily rusted. These deficiencies led to the bridge being categorized as "structurally deficient" under federal National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
To address these issues, a three-year, $28.2 million rehabilitation project was undertaken. The project aimed to improve pedestrian and bicycle access, as well as traffic flow. The project was done in 3 phases to keep traffic open throughout construction. The repairs included replacing the deck and sidewalks, along with other necessary structural improvements. On December 21, 2011, the project was substantially complete, and the bridge was opened in its final configuration, with one lane entering the bridge in each direction, transitioning on the bridge to two lanes exiting.
The BU Bridge in Popular Culture and Lore
The BU Bridge has also gained notoriety for a popular, though inaccurate, rumor. It is often claimed to be the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under an airplane. While this is not true, as other such places exist, including the Steel Bridge in Portland, Oregon, and the Manhattan Bridge in New York City, the rumor persists due to the bridge's unique configuration and prominent location.
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Significance and Legacy
The BU Bridge is more than just a transportation route; it is a landmark with historical and cultural significance. It connects Boston and Cambridge, carrying an estimated 35,000 vehicles each day. The bridge's green arch and the graffiti-filled CSX Railroad Bridge are dominant features that are part of its identity.The bridge holds special significance in the Boston University culture.
The Future of the BU Bridge
As of 2018, the BU Bridge is fully functioning and operating regularly. However, ongoing maintenance and potential future rehabilitation projects will be necessary to ensure the bridge continues to serve its vital role in connecting Boston and Cambridge. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for the bridge's upkeep and will need to address any future structural or functional issues that may arise.
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tags: #boston #university #bridge #history #construction
