Department of Conservation and Recreation
The pedestrian bridge over the Charles River will be replaced. Above is an example of what the new bridge will look like.
The Joseph Thompson Pedestrian Bridge over the Charles River, west of Watertown Square, is out of commission for a while as the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) constructs a new span.
The new bridge will be less sloped than the present one, so that it meets ADA accessibility requirements, according to the DCR.
Construction will be completed by the end of 2017, depending on weather and other factors, a DCR release said. The final work may not be finished until the spring of 2018.
The total cost of the project will be $1.5 million, which includes fabricating a new bridge, remove the old bridge and construct a new supporting substructure elements – such as footings, abutments, and retaining walls.
Charlie Breitrose
This pedestrian bridge over the Charles River will closed while being be replaced by the DCR.
A waste of money considering that there are more pressing needs in the community.
Bridge is under DCR control. No town $$ being spent. If people want to complain then should talk to the State since it’s their $$ being spent. Not the town’s $$.
Yes, I know it is DCR money. Still a waste of money and there are more pressing needs within the community. What’s not to understand?
As for eyesores, come on up to the trash strewn neighborhood of Coolidge Square.
Can you expand on the “pressing needs” that the DCR has control over in the community that this money would be better spent on?
Trash strewn neighborhoods is a town issue which should be brought up to your councilor and DPW.
It’s about time. While it still was passable, I always wondered when I crossed it, “Is this when it will fall into the river?” A Watertown eyesore. The new bridge will beautify the whole river area.
Agreed – a great improvement for Watertown!
Waste of DCR money? There are no town funds being spent on this….?
I suggest, if it is not already, that the planning also includes discussions on the removal of the Watertown Dam, (a CRWA priority push which, in my estimation, would need a whole lot of thought on impacts and benefits beyond “a free flowing rive is best” concept.
I went to a few of the meetings on the bridge repair when completion was advertised as Spring 2017. I didn’t believe it. Now it sounds like a year later.
Replacing this bridge just to make it handicap accessible is a joke. I have crossed the old bridge thousands of times and have looked at the underside. There was easily 10 years left. I spoke to the guy who put the railings up about 5 years ago. He also reinforced the bridge, but wasn’t allowed to spend more than $50k before ADA compliance would be required.
I’m glad it’s finally being replaced. The slope made it difficult to cross when there was snow or ice. And, it’s nice to see some of my tax money being spent on a pedestrian project to benefit those of us who get around without driving.
They have made a horrible mess of a most beautiful part of the path. It is now a VERY dangerous, slum-like area. Soon, hundred of children will be flocking here to use the pool adjacent to it. I run this path every day and fear that kids will wander into this mess and get very hurt. Also, how will all the kids get to the pool now? Via Pleasant Street? The buses used to line up on Watertown Street, and the kids would cross that bridge to get to the pool. There is no way buses could stop and stay on Pleasant Street. It is already too congested will all the new housing development. This summer is going to be a very frustrating and dangerous one. Please hurry. I miss the old beautiful path dearly.
Maby the kids could swim. (just a joke)
Perhaps the kids could get to the pool via the Community Path entrance which is a large-ish parking area off of Pleasant Street. Maybe buses can find a good place to wait. I look forward to watching a bridge being built and hope it will be compatible with the removal of the dam eventually.
It is now Jan 25, 2018 which is one year from when the article was written and the bridge is nowhere near complete despite the favorable weather. The article started the following “Construction will be completed by the end of 2017, depending on weather and other factors, a DCR release said. The final work may not be finished until the spring of 2018.”