John W. Weeks Bridge

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Coordinates: 42°22′07″N 71°07′05″W / 42.36853°N 71.11807°W / 42.36853; -71.11807
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John W. Weeks Memorial Bridge
Boston, Massachusetts to Cambridge, Massachusetts
Characteristics
Designarch bridge[1]
MaterialBrick facing with limestone trim on reinforced concrete sub-structure.
History
DesignerMcKim, Mead & White, Architects. Andrew Canzanelli, Structural Engineer.[2]
OpenedJune 1927
Location
Map
Dedication of the bridge, June 1927

The John W. Weeks Memorial Bridge, usually called the Weeks Footbridge or simply Weeks Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge over the

Allston
.

The Weeks Bridge opened in 1927 to carry pedestrian traffic between the

Harding and Coolidge
administrations.

The bridge's concrete underbelly conceals branches of the University's steam, electrical, and communications networks.[3]

The bridge is a popular vantage point from which to enjoy the Head of the Charles Regatta. An abrupt bend in the river prompts most boats to crowd through the bridge's center span, and collisions have occurred when coxswains could not make themselves heard above the cheering of the crowd.[4]

Renovation

On September 21, 2015, the Massachusetts

Americans with Disabilities Act. Stairs at either end were replaced with ramps and accessibility-compliant railings were installed on the bridge. Other improvements included new accessible approach paths, new lighting using replicated historic fixtures, restoring the eroded river bank adjacent to the bridge, and repairs to the bridge masonry and structure. Harvard University contributed $150,000 to the project.[5][6]

Weeks Footbridge at sunset, with the Harvard Business School at left
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Weeks Footbridge.

References

  1. ^ John W. Weeks Bridge at Structurae
  2. Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Herald. Retrieved July 16, 2009. Alt URL[permanent dead link
    ]
  3. ^ "A Concrete Symbol: The Building of Harvard Business School, 1908–1927." Baker Library Historical Collections, Knowledge and Library Services.
  4. ^ Powers, John (October 15, 2008). "Weeks Footbridge archenemy of Head of Charles rowers". boston.com. The Boston Globe. p. 2. Retrieved July 4, 2009.
  5. ^ "News Archives".
  6. ^ DCR Commissioner Opens Newly Renovated Weeks Bridge During Annual RiverSing Celebration
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