Northern Avenue Bridge Shut Down in Boston

The Northern Avenue Bridge in Boston—a 100-year-old swing bridge used by pedestrians and cyclists—was closed abruptly due to structural defects.

1 minute read

December 26, 2014, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Boston "has closed the Old Northern Avenue Bridge, citing 'deterioration beyond repair' to the floor beams," reports Nicole Duncga. "The city offered no clear plans for the future of the 640-foot steel and concrete span across the Fort Point channel, raising fears that it may not be returned to service." Duncga also adds that it's the second bridge in Boston to close down abruptly since October.

"For years, the Old Northern Avenue Bridge teetered on the brink of demolition as city officials pointed out drawbacks in continuing to maintain it. But preservationists say the bridge, constructed in 1908, is one of the state’s few 'swing' bridges, spans that rotate horizontally when water traffic needs to pass."

Shirley Leung has also written a column that editorializes the political context about the bridge's history, as well as its potential future. 

Friday, December 19, 2014 in The Boston Globe

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Adult holding hands of two children, all wearing winter coats, in crosswalk in New York City during holidays with trees decorated with lights in background.

Pedestrian Deaths Drop, Remain Twice as High as in 2009

Fatalities declined by 4 percent in 2024, but the U.S. is still nowhere close to ‘Vision Zero.’

30 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine