Echo Bridge facts for kids
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Echo Bridge
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Echo Bridge
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| Location | Spans the Charles River between Needham and Newton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | George W. Phelps |
| Part of | Sudbury Aqueduct Linear District (#89002293) Newton Upper Falls Historic District (#86001750) |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000638 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 9, 1980 |
| Designated CP | January 18, 1990 September 4, 1986 |
Echo Bridge is a really old and cool bridge in Massachusetts. It connects the towns of Needham and Newton Upper Falls. This historic bridge crosses the Charles River.
The bridge was built a long time ago, between 1875 and 1877. It's special because it carries the Sudbury Aqueduct, which is like a giant pipe that used to bring water to people. You can also walk across it!
Echo Bridge is part of the Hemlock Gorge Reservation, a beautiful natural area. It was one of the longest stone arch bridges in the country when it was built. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was also named an American Water Landmark in 1981.
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What Makes Echo Bridge Special?
Echo Bridge crosses over a beautiful spot called Hemlock Gorge. This is where the Charles River flows over a "fall line." A fall line is a place where the land suddenly drops, creating waterfalls. You can still see some old mill buildings from the bridge. But most of the gorge is covered in natural trees, especially hemlocks.
Can You Really Hear an Echo?
Yes, you can! The bridge has two main spots for visitors. You can walk on top of the bridge and enjoy the views. Or, you can go to a special platform underneath. From there, you can hear amazing echoes when you make a sound. That's how the bridge got its name!
What Can You See from the Bridge?
From Echo Bridge, you can see exciting white water rapids. There's also a pretty waterfall and the gorge lined with hemlock trees. The whole area, including the gorge, is part of the 23-acre (93,000 m2) Hemlock Gorge Reservation. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation takes care of this natural park.
The bridge is easy to find, even though it's near busy highways like Route 9 and Route 128. Even with all the roads nearby, the river itself stays peaceful and natural, surrounded by trees.
How Was Echo Bridge Built?
Echo Bridge is about 500 feet (150 m) long. It's made up of seven big arches. The longest arch goes over the Charles River. This arch is 137 feet (42 m) wide! It's a special kind of arch that curves gently.
Five of the other arches are each 37 feet (11 m) wide. The last arch, which goes over Ellis Street, is 28 feet (8.5 m) wide. At its highest point, the bridge is about 70 feet (21 m) above the river. The bottom parts of the bridge, called foundations, are made of strong granite stone. They rest on solid rock.
Bridge Repairs and Water Supply
In 2006, Echo Bridge had a big makeover. It was closed for a while for important repairs. But don't worry, it's open again now for everyone to enjoy!
The aqueduct that the bridge carries is mostly used as a backup now. But in 2010, it became very important. There was a big problem with the main water system. So, the aqueduct on Echo Bridge was used to bring clean water to many towns. It helped 38 communities get the water they needed during that emergency.
Images for kids
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Walkers on the bridge before it was closed for railing repairs in 2006
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The bridge closed for repairs
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The bridge reopened with temporary protective fencing
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Protective railings next to the historic railings
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Aerial view of the bridge and Hemlock Gorge
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Winter view from upstream
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Spring view from downstream
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The bridge from the "echo platform" on the Newton side
