Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
Leonard P. Zakim Bridge, alongside the Leverett Circle Connector Bridge, 2017
Coordinates	42°22′08″N 71°03′48″W / 42.36889°N 71.06333°W / 42.36889; -71.06333
Carries	10 lanes of I‑93 / US 1
Crosses	Charles River, MBTA Orange Line
Locale	Boston, Massachusetts (North End–Charlestown)
Official name	Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Owner	Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Maintained by	Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Characteristics
Design	Cable-stayed bridge
Material	Steel, prestressed concrete
Total length	1,432 ft (436 m)
Width	183 ft (56 m)
Height	270 ft (82 m)
Longest span	745 ft (227 m)
Clearance below	40 ft (12 m)
History
Construction cost	$105 million
Opened	March 30, 2003 (northbound) December 20, 2003 (southbound)

The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge is a super cool bridge in Boston, Massachusetts. It crosses the Charles River and was finished in 2003. People often call it the "Zakim Bridge" or "Bunker Hill Bridge".

This bridge is a special type called a cable-stayed bridge. This means its road deck is held up by strong cables connected to tall towers. It replaced an older bridge from the 1950s.

The Zakim Bridge was a big part of the Big Dig. This was a huge project to build new highways and tunnels in Boston. The bridge's unique shape quickly became a symbol for Boston. You might see it in the background of TV shows or on souvenirs.

Another bridge, the Leverett Circle Connector Bridge, was built at the same time. It helps some cars get around the Zakim Bridge.

How the Bridge Looks
Why the Name?
Art and Nature Around the Bridge
Images for kids
See Also

How the Bridge Looks

The Zakim Bridge was designed by a Swiss engineer named Christian Menn. He worked with bridge designer Miguel Rosales. They created a unique look for the bridge.

It's a cable-stayed bridge with a "harp" design. This means the cables look like strings on a harp. The main part of the bridge carries ten lanes of traffic. These lanes are for Interstate 93 and U.S. Route 1.

Underneath the bridge, there's a tunnel for the MBTA Orange Line. This is Boston's subway system.

Why the Name?

The bridge has a long name to honor two important things. It remembers Leonard P. Zakim, a leader from Boston. He worked hard for civil rights and believed in "building bridges between peoples."

The name also honors the Battle of Bunker Hill. This was a famous battle during the American Revolutionary War. It happened nearby in Charlestown.

The bridge was officially opened on October 4, 2002. There was a special ceremony on the new bridge. Leonard Zakim's family and government leaders spoke. Even the famous singer Bruce Springsteen performed a song.

Art and Nature Around the Bridge

Building the Zakim Bridge changed the shape of the Charles River shoreline. This allowed for new public spaces under the bridge. These areas were designed by Carol R. Johnson Associates.

Under the bridge, you can see cool public artworks. They are called Five Beacons for the Lost Half Mile. These artworks use special lights.

People can walk or bike from Charlestown to Cambridge. They use the nearby North Bank Bridge. This bridge connects to North Point Park. It's also part of the Charles River Bike Path and the East Coast Greenway.