Belden Bly Bridge, Cantilever bridge over Saugus River in Massachusetts, US.
Belden Bly Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Saugus River and carries Massachusetts State Route 107 between Salem Turnpike and Western Avenue. The structure uses a Scherzer rolling lift mechanism as part of its design to function as a movable bridge.
Originally built in 1912 as Fox Hill Bridge, it was renamed in 1985 to honor a former Massachusetts House of Representatives member. The structure served as a streetcar line during its early decades, supporting public transit connections across the region.
The bridge carried streetcar tracks during its early years, marking an important period in local transportation when public transit connected surrounding communities.
The bridge carries regular vehicular traffic and supports multiple public bus routes, making it a busy crossing point. Pedestrians and cyclists should use caution when crossing, as the traffic flow is steady throughout the day.
When decommissioned, it ranked as the oldest operating cantilever bridge in the nation and the oldest Scherzer rolling lift mechanism in Massachusetts. This engineering achievement made it a notable example of early 20th century bridge design in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
