Alford Street Bridge

Sweeping across the Mystic River, the Alford Street Bridge connects Charlestown and Everett, Massachusetts. It’s a vital artery, officially known as Route 99, but locals often call it the Malden Bridge. The Alford Street Bridge isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s a bridge with a story to tell, a story of renovations, challenges, and a touch of drama. In 2012, the bridge underwent a major overhaul, a $57 million project meant to bring it up to speed. The project involved reconstructing parts of the substructure, installing a seismic retrofit system, and even replacing the mechanical and electrical systems that operate the bascule leaves. Imagine the amount of steel, concrete, and reinforcing material needed: almost 5 million pounds of structural steel, over 1.8 million pounds of counterweight material, and over half a million pounds of reinforcing steel. The project also involved pouring over 5,300 cubic yards of concrete and installing 176 elastomeric bearings. It was a massive undertaking. The renovations were completed in 2014, but the story doesn’t end there. The Alford Street Bridge, like many movable bridges, experienced its share of teething problems. Electrical and mechanical glitches, issues with the bridge deck grating, and even malfunctioning limit switches caused headaches for commuters and city officials alike. There were reports of the bridge slamming down due to a limit switch failure. Can you imagine the shock? Other problems included loose pieces on the metal grid deck and streetlights that simply refused to work. These issues highlighted the complex nature of movable bridges, with their intricate interplay of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems. While such problems aren’t unusual in the months following a major renovation, they certainly added a dramatic chapter to the Alford Street Bridge’s story. Despite the initial hiccups, the Alford Street Bridge continues to serve as a vital link between Charlestown and Everett. So, next time you cross this bridge, remember the story of its transformation, its challenges, and its continued service to the community. It’s more than just a bridge; it’s a testament to engineering, perseverance, and the constant flow of life across the Mystic River.