Project Description
The Boston Esplanade Pedestrian Bridge is proposed as part of the master plan to restore the iconic 1908 Longfellow Bridge across the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge. The existing, obsolete pedestrian bridge next to the historic bridge will be replaced with a wider, ADA compliant bridge that will better complement the arches of the historic structure. This new deck arch will be contemporary in appearance and very transparent in order to not obstruct views of the historic Longfellow Bridge, the river and parkland. The slender main steel arch span will be in the order of 222’ (68m). The approach ramps will follow a similar architectural language and will appear to float over the landscape before landing next to the river. When completed, this new bridge will quickly become an iconic bridge linking downtown Boston to the Esplanade and the Charles River.
Bridge Architect Miguel Rosales of Boston-based transportation architects Rosales + Partners provided the conceptual design, bridge architecture and aesthetic lighting design. Preliminary design engineering was performed by Jacobs Engineering. STV, Inc. will be the final design engineer and engineer of record. The design/build phase of the bridge will be completed by the joint venture team of contractors White-Skanska-Consigli and overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will own the footbridge when completed.