Frances Appleton Bridge
Design and construction
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Appleton_Pedestrian_Bridge_Installation%2C_November%2C_2017_%2838029080004%29.jpg/220px-Appleton_Pedestrian_Bridge_Installation%2C_November%2C_2017_%2838029080004%29.jpg)
The Frances Appleton Bridge was completed in 2018, at an estimated construction cost of $12.5 million. The bridge opened on August 31, 2018, and is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The bridge consists of a contemporary tubular steel arch with a main span approximately 222 feet (68 m) long over Storrow Drive via a 14-foot (4.3 m) wide deck that accommodates both bicyclists and pedestrians. The bridge is 550 feet (170 m) in length and was designed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act maximum slope requirements, and also to avoid large trees in the parkland while also maximizing views.
The sculptural curves and lightness of the bridge make it appear to float above the parkland and its Y-shaped vertical supports mimic tree branches. Aesthetic lighting complements the narrow-beam pin lights that illuminate the walking path, creating a safe and interesting destination at night. The bridge enhances its historic setting while providing greater access and visibility to all users.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Plaque_Frances_Appleton_Bridge.png/220px-Plaque_Frances_Appleton_Bridge.png)
References
- ^ MassDOT. "Longfellow Bridge". Archived from the original on 28 March 2013. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ @MassDot (31 August 2018). "#Boston: new Fanny Appleton Pedestrian Bridge now open ahead of schedule! @MassDCR" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Session Law". Retrieved 15 July 2015.
- ^ Murphy, Dan (July 22, 2015). "New Foot Bridge to be Next to Longfellow". Beacon Hill Times. Independent Newspaper Group. Retrieved 2015-07-24.
- ^ "Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge". Boston Preservation Alliance. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- MassDOT Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation Project Website
- Miguel Rosales: Building a Better Bridge for Esplanade Archived 2015-06-26 at the Wayback Machine
- State seeks upgrade to Charles footbridge
- Longfellow Bridge Project to Impact Traffic, MBTA Service
- Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge Across Storrow Opens to the Public
- Miguel Rosales Discusses Iconic Bridges at TEA Annual Meeting
- Appleton Bridge Receives Arthur G. Hayden Medal
- Officials, Residents Cut Ribbon at Fanny Appleton Footbridge