Weeks Footbridge
1924, McKim, Mead and White, John R. Rablin, Charles River

The scale of the Weeks Bridge is smaller than that of the other eight Charles River bridges because, unlike its counterparts, the Weeks is a footbridge. It shares structural and historical associations with its fellow bridges, however. Designed by the architectural firm, McKim, Mead and White, the construction of this and other Charles bridges of the period was overseen by John R. Rablin, the chief architect of the Metropolitan District Commission. The structure of Weeks footbridge is typical, three arches of reinforced concrete, but its architectural embellishments are exceptional. Designed in the Georgian Revival style to compliment the surrounding architecture of Harvard University (especially the Business School, which was also designed by McKim, Mead and White), the bridge is faced with brick and limestone. The nosing, parapet, and decorative seals are limestone, the pylons are granite, and the brackets and lamps are bronze.

Weeks Footbridge with Harvard Business School in background.

Photo 77a, Mar 2012