Chelsea Street Bridge

Chelsea Street Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge that crosses Chelsea Creek with two traffic lanes in each direction and sidewalks on both sides. The structure allows the central span to rise to permit passage of larger watercraft below.

The current bridge opened in 2012 and replaced a single-leaf bascule bridge completed in 1937 that had served the crossing for over 70 years. The replacement was built to meet modern transportation demands and updated maritime requirements.

The bridge functions as a crucial connection point between East Boston and Chelsea, supporting the movement of residents, workers, and goods.

The bridge lifts to allow vessels to pass, which means vehicle traffic and pedestrians may experience brief stops. It is best to avoid crossing during busy hours of the day, as lifts typically happen in daytime hours.

The bridge incorporates the MBTA Silver Line SL3 bus route directly into its structure, with public transportation sharing the same raised roadway as vehicle traffic. This arrangement makes the crossing a key junction in the regional transit network.

Location: Massachusetts

Official opening: May 12, 2012

GPS coordinates: 42.38630,-71.02270

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05