Open

Pennington, on July 20, said:

In this photo, the Old Northern Avenue bridge is OPEN for boats to move through Fort Point Channel, but for many years has been CLOSED to all vehicle traffic. Built in the early 1900s, this is reputed to be one of the oldest steel truss swing bridges still operating in the world. It was built during the early 1900s when William Jackson was Boston City Engineer. By some accounts, he designed the bridge, by other accounts it was designed by the 1901 M.I.T. graduating class, who thought a pivoting bridge would be more efficient than one that lifted to allow boats to pass.

Does anyone know whether there is any nexus between these two stories? Was Jackson a 1901 MIT grad?

Efforts to preserve and reuse the The Northern Ave bridge and the adjacent bridge tender’s house have been simmering for years. One 2005 vision of a possible future is proposed here in an architect’s slide show commissioned by Mayor Menino. It includes the restoration of the former bridge tender’s wharf and building. That building is just barely visible through the far end of the bridge section – if you double click to enlarge the photo twice. For a better view, click here. One local legend holds that Congressman Moakley wanted the Northern Ave Bridge torn down so there would be a better view of the bridge named after his wife, the Evelyn Moakley bridge, on Seaport Blvd.

Yank in Dixie, on July 21, said:

Nice shot Penny. I am glad you posted this one so we could see the whole thing. Also appreciate the history. I hope they don't tear this down! I think it is charming. Bruce

Pennington, on July 21, said:

Thanks, Bruce.

It has certainly charmed me!

Since Moakley died in 2001, Mayor Menino has officially endorsed restoration and reuse of the bridge. In 2005, $2.5M and another $6M of Federal transportation funds were earmarked to rehabilitate the bridge. Sen. Kerry is asking for $4.5M in 2010 for design and permitting to rehab the bridge as an essential part of emergency evacuation of the nearby Moakley Federal Courthouse.

All of which indicates that there are people who haven't given up on it. But so far it doesn't look like much has been done beyond the architectural concept plan I've linked to above.

If anyone has additional info or updates, I'd love to have you post it here!

逃离城市, on July 23, said:

Such a spectacular city! so well shoot! though i called "flees the city", but i really like it here.

Greetings.flees the city ;0)

Pennington, on July 26, said:

I can tell you like your city -- it was your photo of the city canal you live next to that first drew me to your work!

whoelius, on July 28, said:

Oooh, wonderful. Lovely perspective.

gezginruh, on August 7, said:

Interesting. And wonderful composition Penny. Thanks for your information. Friendly greetings. GGR

Gabry2681, on August 18, said:

A beautiful photo with a very interesting explanation... :)

Regards, Gabry

holger mohaupt, on August 28, said:

Wonderful picture!!!!Great!!!

Greetings from Sonneberg.