Imagine Frances Appleton smiling down on us. This elegant bridge bears her name. It’s more than just a crossing. It’s a testament to love and connection.
The Frances Appleton Bridge links Beacon Hill to the Esplanade. It connects people to the Hatch Shell. This footbridge is heavily used. It is one of the longest in Massachusetts. The Frances Appleton Bridge stretches 750 feet. It is also 14 feet wide.
Did you know the Frances Appleton Bridge won an award? It received the Arthur G. Hayden Medal. This international award is given out once a year. It recognizes outstanding achievements in bridge engineering.
Strong advocacy made the Frances Appleton Bridge possible. It was named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s wife. He would cross the river to court Fanny. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation built it. The Department of Conservation and Recreation now cares for it.
The bridge’s design began in 2005. A stakeholders group advised the Highway Administrator. They demonstrated the value of a new pedestrian bridge. They also wanted wider river walks. Miguel Rosales helped design the Leonard Zakim Bridge. He was tasked with this design too.
Construction started in 2013. The Frances Appleton Bridge was completed in 2018. The entire Longfellow Bridge project cost $306 million. The Frances Appleton Bridge cost $12.5 million.
The Frances Appleton Bridge offers a universally accessible link. It connects Charles Circle to the Charles River. It provides access to the Esplanade. The ribbon cutting was September 10.
Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver called it iconic. He said it connects the neighborhood to a crown jewel. The Frances Appleton Bridge weighs 700 tons. It has a spacious observation platform. The platform overlooks the Charles River. It also looks over the Longfellow Bridge.
State Rep. Jay Livingstone uses this bridge regularly. He said it’s essential for getting from the T to the park. Beacon Hill resident Kate Ongaro loves the bridge. She even boasted it’s better than the Chicago Bean.
The Frances Appleton Bridge complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is wheelchair accessible. The bridge replaced an obsolete pedestrian bridge. It complements the arches of the historic Longfellow Bridge.
The Frances Appleton Bridge has a contemporary look. It avoids obstructing views. The slender steel arch spans Storrow Drive. The approach ramps appear to float.
Frances Appleton Longfellow died in 1861. Her husband was heartbroken. He wrote about her light. He said his heart beat quicker when she entered the room. The Frances Appleton Bridge stands as a tribute. It is a tribute to her memory.
So, as you cross the Frances Appleton Bridge. Remember Fanny. Remember her light. Remember the love that inspired this beautiful structure. Let’s appreciate the connection. It bridges the gap between places. It also bridges hearts.