Northern Avenue Bridge, Railway bridge in Boston, United States
The Northern Avenue Bridge is a railway bridge crossing Fort Point Channel with three steel spans built using a through-truss design to support multiple traffic types. The structure demonstrates early engineering techniques typical of American infrastructure from its era.
Built in 1908, the bridge served as a vital link for freight locomotives and horse-drawn vehicles supporting Boston's industrial expansion in the early 20th century. It played a central role in the city's transportation network during that period of industrial growth.
The structure represents early American engineering practices with its triple-barreled design and rim-bearing center span, illustrating transportation evolution in urban environments.
The bridge is not open to general traffic as it has been closed since 2014 due to structural safety concerns. Plans are underway to redesign it as a pedestrian and cycling crossing.
The bridge operates using compressed air power and is one of approximately 120 remaining swing bridges in the United States. This propulsion method has become uncommon in modern bridge design.
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