Veterans Memorial Bridge (Bristol County, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Veterans Memorial Bridge |
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Veterans Memorial Bridge, August 5, 2010
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| Coordinates | 41°43′35.18″N 71°9′6.24″W / 41.7264389°N 71.1517333°W |
| Carries |   US 6 / Route 138 |
| Crosses | Taunton River |
| Locale | Somerset, Massachusetts and Fall River, Massachusetts |
| Official name | Veterans Memorial Bridge |
| Maintained by | MassDOT Highway Division |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | two-leaf bascule bridge |
| Longest span | 200 feet (61 m) |
| Clearance below | 60 feet (18 m) |
| History | |
| Construction begin | May 17, 2007 |
| Construction end | Fall 2011 |
| Opened | October 11, 2011 |
The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a special kind of bridge called a bascule bridge. This means it can open up to let boats pass underneath! It connects the towns of Somerset, Massachusetts and Fall River, Massachusetts.
This important bridge helps U.S. Route 6 and Route 138 cross the Taunton River. It also has ramps that connect to Route 79. Plus, there's a cool bike path on its north side for people to use.
The Veterans Memorial Bridge cost about $290 million to build. It was officially named and dedicated to local veterans on September 11, 2011. The bike path on the bridge was also named that same day. It honors Pvt. Michael E. Bouthot, a soldier who sadly died in Iraq in 2006.
This bridge is super important for travel in the area. It's one of only two main bridges that cross the river near Fall River. If there's a problem with the other big bridge, the Braga Bridge, the Veterans Memorial Bridge becomes the main way for people to get in and out of the city. Without it, detours could be over twenty miles long!
Contents
What's in a Name?
How the Veterans Memorial Bridge Got Its Name
Before it was officially named, people called this bridge the "replacement Brightman Street Bridge". Another name suggested was the "Miguel Corte-Real Bridge".
However, on November 13, 2009, a new law was passed. This law officially gave the bridge its current name: the Veterans Memorial Bridge. This name honors all the brave veterans who have served our country.
Building the Bridge
A Look at the Bridge's History
Planning for this big bridge project started way back in 1998. However, the project faced some delays. Money that was meant for the bridge was used for another large construction project called the Big Dig.
Finally, construction on the Veterans Memorial Bridge began in May 2007. After a lot of hard work, the bridge was ready. The dedication ceremony happened on September 11, 2011. The lanes heading west opened to traffic the very next day, on September 12, 2011. The eastbound lanes opened a little later, on October 11, 2011.
Cool Features of the Bridge
What Makes This Bridge Special?
The Veterans Memorial Bridge has many improvements compared to the old Brightman Street Bridge. It has a much wider walkway and bikeway, which is great for people who want to walk or bike across. There's even a fishing pier where people can enjoy fishing!
The middle part of the bridge is also much taller and wider than the old bridge. This is a big deal because it means the bridge doesn't have to open as often for boats to pass. This helps keep traffic moving smoothly and reduces delays for drivers.
Images for kids
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The construction site of the new Brightman Street bridge as of June 2008
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Center span under construction, August 2010
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View of the roadway from the pedestrian path
