Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge

The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts {{coor d|42.3694|N|71.06427|W|type:landmark}} is the widest cable-stayed bridge built prior to 2003. The bridge is part of the Big Dig, the largest overall highway construction project in the United States, and replaced the Charlestown High Bridge.

Related Topics:
Boston, Massachusetts - Cable-stayed bridge - Big Dig - Highway - United States - Charlestown High Bridge

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In a cable-stayed bridge, instead of hanging the roadbed from cables slung over towers, the cables run directly between the roadbed and the towers. Although cable-stayed bridges have become common in Europe since World War II, they are relatively new to North America.

Related Topics:
World War II - North America

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The bridge, designed by Swiss civil engineer Christian Menn, follows a new design in which two outer lanes are cantilevered outside the towers while another eight lanes run through the towers. It has a striking, graceful appearance that is meant to echo the towers of the Bunker Hill Monument, which is within view of the bridge, and the white cables of the USS Constitution.

Related Topics:
Swiss - Civil engineer - Christian Menn - Cantilevered - Bunker Hill Monument - USS Constitution

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Its name commemorates both the battle and Boston civic leader Leonard P. Zakim, who championed "building bridges between peoples". Some Boston area residents have nicknamed it "The Bill Buckner Bridge" in reference to former Red Sox player Bill Buckner and how cars pass through the bridge's "legs".

Related Topics:
Leonard P. Zakim - Red Sox - Bill Buckner

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Although the bridge was completed in 2002, it was not opened to traffic until the northbound Central Artery tunnel opened in early 2003. The cantilevered northbound lanes (a two-lane entrance ramp) opened in April 2005, when the old bridge was sufficiently demolished to allow for their completion. The southbound lanes were opened in December 2003, with the opening of the southbound tunnel.

Related Topics:
2002 - 2003 - 2005

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The bridge carries Interstate 93 and US 1 across the Charles River. The Big Dig tunnel entrance is at its south end.

Related Topics:
Interstate 93 - US 1 - Charles River

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