From Dave Brigham:
This is the Northern Avenue Bridge, which spans the Fort Point Channel connecting downtown Boston with the sprawling and bustling Seaport District. At left in the photo is a long-abandoned floating firehouse for the city's fire department. I took this photo from a party boat on which, once we got out into Boston Harbor, I saw the excellent alt-country/rock band Cracker.
I walked over this bridge a handful of times back in 1990-91 when I worked in the Seaport District, which back then was known as "the place where commuters parked in muddy lots and artists took over entire warehouses and there were actually working piers." Or something. But the bridge has been locked in the open position for four years, so nobody can walk, ride or drive over it. Something about safety, or the lack thereof.
For many years there has been talk in government, architecture, civic, retail and development circles about just what the hell to do with this old bridge, which dates to 1908 and once carried not only cars but also trains. The latest idea, from the City of Boston, calls for the bridge to be renovated/rehabilitated and raised up with dedicated lanes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars. The span, which would incorporate the old bridge into a new structure, could be covered, and piers could be built to extend over the water. Cafes, shops, and public art could also line the bridge, according to this column from the Boston Globe.
The city has pledged $46 million and is looking for partners to chip in $35-40 million for commercial rights. Public discussions are under way; once a final design is chosen, construction could wrap up by 2022.
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