Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge

Across the Charles River its cables sing a song of steel. This is the Leonard P Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge a modern marvel. It opened in 2003. It replaced the Charlestown High Bridge a much older structure. The Zakim Bridge is more than just a roadway. It’s a symbol of Boston. Its design is unique. It’s a cable-stayed bridge a harp configuration. The main span is 745 feet long. The towers reach 270 feet high. They are shaped like inverted Ys. The bridge carries Interstate 93 and US Route 1. It also has lanes for traffic from the Sumner Tunnel. Beneath the bridge runs the MBTA Orange Line. The bridge’s full name honors Leonard P Zakim. He was a civil rights activist. He believed in building bridges between people. The bridge also commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. Its dedication ceremony in 2002 included Bruce Springsteen. He played Thunder Road. He spoke of Zakim’s spirit and fight for social justice. The bridge’s landscape design is also noteworthy. It includes public art. This is called Five Beacons for the Lost Half Mile. Pedestrians and cyclists can use the adjacent North Bank Bridge. It connects to the Charles River Bike Path. The Zakim Bridge cost over 100 million dollars to build. It quickly became an icon of Boston. It is often shown on national news. It is featured on tourist souvenirs. Many Bostonians simply call it the Zakim Bridge or the Bunker Hill Bridge. The Zakim Bridge. A testament to engineering. A tribute to a leader. A symbol of a city. A beautiful bridge. A strong bridge. A lasting bridge.