Frances Appleton Bridge

The Frances Appleton Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling structure spanning across Storrow Drive between Beacon Hill and the Charles River Esplanade. Its steel arch design features Y-shaped supports resembling tree branches, with a 14-foot-wide deck equipped with specialized lighting and gentle slopes for easy passage.

Completed in 2018, the bridge was designed to connect to the historic path where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once courted Frances Appleton. It was named in honor of Appleton, linking the couple's story to the modern infrastructure of Boston.

The bridge links Beacon Hill to the Charles River Esplanade, where people gather for outdoor concerts and recreation. It serves as a gathering point for residents and visitors seeking access to waterfront green spaces.

The 14-foot-wide structure accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists with gentle slopes meeting accessibility requirements. The railings and specialized lighting provide safety and orientation, making it safe to cross at any time of day.

The Y-shaped support design was specifically engineered to preserve large trees beneath the bridge rather than remove them. This careful integration with existing vegetation demonstrates how modern urban design can protect natural elements.