North Bank Footbridge

Boston-Cambridge-North Bank Bridge Construction, This project consists of three main components: the North Bank Bridge, the Leonard P. Zakim Bridge Underbridge Plaza (north and south banks) and the North Point Park Expansion. The North Bank Bridge consists of a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge connecting East Cambridge to City Square in Charlestown along the Charles River waterfront. This unique and signature sinusoidal bridge will compliment the adjacent iconic Zakim Bridge and provide a much needed pedestrian connection between the North Point and Paul Revere Parks. The Leonard P. Zakim Bridge Underbridge Plaza is a designed green space utilizing existing granite to create cobble plazas and walkways to feature several art elements along the river’s edge. The North Point Park Expansion will greatly expand the existing North Point Park while providing an area for parking and ease of access for patrons. The upper area of this park will also provide a maintenance facility and an update to existing buildings to enable better management of this increased green space area.

Photo 31, May 2012

North Bank Footbridge with a smaller footbridge in the foreground

The North Bank Bridge, designed for pedestrians and cyclists and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is now under construction over the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks which will connect North Point Park with Paul Revere Park in Charlestown. The expected completion of the bridge is mid-2012. Pedestrian bridges are also planned over the Charles River from North Point Park to Nashua Street Park in Boston, and over the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks on the south bank of the river from Nashua Street Park to the riverfront just upstream of the Zakim Bridge south tower. These three stunning parks along the Charles will then be linked together, and the Charles River Reservation will finally be connected to Boston Harbor.

Photo 32, May 2012

North Bank Footbridge

Photo 40b, May 2012