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Salem Street Bridge

Salem Street Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth and Rick McOmber

Bridge Documented: July 13, 2008

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Facility Carried / Feature Intersected
Salem Street Over Railroad (MBTA, Amtrak)
Location
Lawrence: Essex County, Massachusetts: United States
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1910 By Builder/Contractor: Boston Bridge Works of Boston, Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Date
1997
Main Span Length
143.0 Feet (43.6 Meters)
Structure Length
146.0 Feet (44.5 Meters)
Roadway Width
37.4 Feet (11.4 Meters)
Spans
1 Main Span(s)
Inventory Number
L0402432EDOT634

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
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Bridge Documentation

This bridge is a unique and beautiful structure. That it is an example of a lattice truss (sometimes referred to as Warren Quadrangular) is enough to make the bridge noteworthy, since this is an uncommon truss configuration. However, the additional facts that it is a highway bridge example of this type, and moreover contains three truss lines means that this a very significant historic bridge that should receive a high priority for preservation. Any old truss bridge containing three or more truss lines is uncommon and significant, however finding a lattice truss with three truss line is extremely rare. In addition, the Salem Street Bridge appears to retain an excellent degree of historic integrity, with no major alterations noted. The trusses themselves are in great condition and even the paint is not rusting, with only minor section loss (which could be corrected) at the bottom chord connection gusset plates noted.

In the past, this bridge has been programmed for replacement. However as of 2020 the bridge remains standing with no changes. It is hoped this means the bridge has a brighter future now. Long story short, the bridge probably could be rehabilitated for less than the cost of demolition and replacement  and continue to safely carry vehicular traffic. However, if for whatever reason, rehabilitation of the bridge in place for continued vehicular use was deemed unacceptable, than this bridge should be carefully disassembled, relocated, and restored in a new location, likely for pedestrian use. It would make a great addition to a scenic trail somewhere. Its wide deck, separated by the center truss line, would lend itself well to using one side for the non-motorized traffic, and the other half could house benches and picnic tables for people to stop and enjoy the bridge and any scenery in the bridge's location.

 

View Archived National Bridge Inventory Report - Has Additional Details and Evaluation

View Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) Inventory Forms For This Historic Bridge

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Photo Galleries and Videos: Salem Street Bridge

 

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Bridge Photo-Documentation

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Bridge Photo-Documentation

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
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Maps and Links: Salem Street Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

Search For Additional Bridge Listings:

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

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