The Boston University Bridge, originally the Cottage Farm Bridge, is a bridge carrying Route 2 over the Charles River connecting Boston to Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is named for Boston University, which lies at the south end of the bridge. It was built in 1927, on a design by Andrew Canzanelli. Canzanelli designed the Weeks footbridge and the first shell constructed on the Esplanade. The bridge crosses diagonally over an older RR bridge carrying the CSX Transportation Grand Junction Line.

Contrary to popular myth, the bridge is not the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under an airplane. Other such places include the 25 de Abril Bridge, in Lisbon.

During the period of planning for the Inner Belt, the BU Bridge represented the planned crossing point of the highway from Boston to Cambridge. Several plans were discussed for the area; had the road been built over the river, the bridge would have been demolished and replaced with a high-level highway overpass, while if the road had been built as a tunnel, the bridge would have been left standing as a crossing for surface route traffic.

The BU Bridge is undergoing a planned renovation. The bridge, particularly the pedestrian facilities, are in severe disrepair. The river is visible through holes in the deck and the iron stairs leading from Storrow Drive are rusted through. Nevertheless, the Commonwealth claims that the bridge is structurally sound.

Grand Junction Railroad bridge crosses the river under the Boston University Bridge.

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Boston University Bridge

The Boston University Bridge, originally the Cottage Farm Bridge, is a bridge carrying Route 2 over the Charles River connecting Boston to Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is named for Boston University, which lies at the south end of the bridge. It was built in 1927, on a design by Andrew Canzanelli. Canzanelli designed the Weeks footbridge and the first shell constructed on the Esplanade. The bridge crosses diagonally over an older railway bridge carrying the CSX Transportation Grand Junction Line.

Photo 30, Feb 2012

Boston University Bridge and Charles River Railway Bridge which cross over each other, crossing the Charles River

Photo 53, March 2012

Boston University Bridge and Charles River Railway Bridge which cross over each other, crossing the Charles River

Photo 54a, March 2012

Boston University Bridge and Charles River Railway Bridge which cross over each other, crossing the Charles River

Photo 78, March 2012

Boston University Bridge and Charles River Railway Bridge which cross over each other, crossing the Charles River. From upriver.

Photo 65, March 2012