Old Northern Ave Bridge

[F-Line to Dudley]

Originally Posted by whighlander

F-Line -- it can't be left open as it is not designed to support itself for extended time -- it's ends would sag and then couldn't close -- if it is to be left open -- permanent structural modifications need to be made

i think the best long-term solution is to:
1) build two support piers in the channel
2) open the bridge and tie it to the piers
3) build two small pededstrian bridges -- raised to accommodate most boats at high tide
a) one permanent bridge from the center of the Nothern Ave Span to SPID (available at night for trucks carrying materials to/from the Northern Ave Span
b) a small openable bridge from the Northern Ave Span to the FID side of the channel -- only opened for tall sail boats
4) put out an RFP for someone to redevelop the permanently opened Northern Ave Bridge as a restaurant and shops

...or, knock it down.

Look, historical preservation's nice. But more trouble than it's worth is more trouble than it's worth. The day will come when it can't be opened anymore, and they will have to cdecide whether significant rehab or demolition is cheaper. Sentiment can't cloud this. It doesn't serve critical enough function.

[stellarfun]

If the Northern Ave bridge is the last surviving example of a swing bridge of this type, odds favor it being preserved.

As an example, reconstruction of two relatively short streets in Washington DC. They are restoring the old streetcar tracks, even thought the streetcar has long ceased running on these streets, and will not run on them in the future. Reason: the last tracks of this kind in the United States. (Although I guess there are still some examples in London? Berlin?)

Excavation and alignment last summer


Nearly finished section of street (March 2012)



Yes, the old cobbles were put back too.