The Northern Avenue Bridge in Boston—a 100-year-old swing bridge used by pedestrians and cyclists—was closed abruptly due to structural defects.
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.
FULL STORY: City closes Northern Avenue Bridge in South Boston
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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