The historic Northern Avenue Bridge in Boston, which has spanned the Fort Point Channel since 1908, is set to be demolished due to safety concerns and structural deterioration. This decision marks the end of an era for a bridge that has long been a symbol of Boston’s industrial past.
Why is the Northern Avenue bridge being demolished
Local administration originally released a Northern Avenue Bridge restoration project, so the demolition is a shock to some Bostonians who’ve witnessed the idle bridge floating in the harbor for decades.
The Northern Avenue Bridge is being demolished primarily due to safety concerns. The bridge’s iron girders have deteriorated significantly, with holes becoming so large that there is a risk of pieces falling into the channel. The Massachusetts Historical Commission has agreed that it is safer to dismantle the bridge now rather than risk a collapse. Additionally, the Coast Guard has noted that the bridge poses a hazard to navigation due to its condition.
Demolition schedule
The demolition is anticipated to commence later in 2025, pending necessary permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers and other relevant agencies. The Public Works Department plans to break down the bridge and load the pieces onto barges, which will then be transported to a waterfront staging area behind the Leader Bank Pavilion for disassembly and paint removal. The concrete masonry piers supporting the bridge will remain intact. The project costs are estimated to exceed $20 million.
History of the Northern Avenue bridge
The Northern Avenue Bridge was constructed from 1905 to 1908 and opened to the public on October 24, 1908. It was designed as a swing bridge that used compressed air to rotate its center part, allowing water traffic to pass.
Key points in the bridge’s history include:
- 1908-1997: Served as a vital link for vehicular, rail, and pedestrian traffic
- 1912-1948: A firehouse was constructed on piers abutting the bridge
- 1997: Closed to vehicular traffic after the completion of the Evelyn Moakley Bridge
- 2014: Fully closed to pedestrian traffic after inspectors found structural issues
- 2025: Demolition
The Northern Avenue Bridge was the last remaining swing bridge of the original nine that once spanned the Fort Point Channel, and one of only 120 left in the United States. It served as a reminder of the Seaport District’s former industrial character and Boston’s maritime heritage, contrasting with the modern office construction that has sprung up on both sides of the channel in recent decades.
Despite its historical significance and the efforts of preservation societies, the bridge’s deteriorating condition has led to the decision to dismantle it, leaving only the concrete masonry piers intact. The future of the site remains undecided, with various proposals ranging from a new pedestrian and cyclist pathway to a waterfront promenade.