Veterans Memorial Bridge (Essex County, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Veterans Memorial Bridge |
|
|---|---|
Veterans Memorial Bridge
|
|
| Coordinates | 42°32′20″N 70°53′15″W / 42.5388°N 70.8876°W |
| Carries |  Route 1A and pedestrian traffic |
| Crosses | Danvers River |
| Locale | Salem, Massachusetts and Beverly, Massachusetts |
| Official name | Veterans Memorial Bridge |
| History | |
| Opened | 1997 |
The Veterans Memorial Bridge, also known as the Beverly-Salem Bridge, is a road bridge that crosses the Danvers River. It connects the cities of Salem and Beverly, Massachusetts in Massachusetts. This bridge carries Massachusetts Route 1A and also has paths for people walking. It was opened in 1997. The current bridge replaced an older, historic steel bridge that stood in the same spot.
Contents
The Bridge's Long History
The Veterans Memorial Bridge stands where an important crossing has been for a very long time. Before any bridges, people used a ferry to cross the Danvers River. This ferry operated from 1636 until 1788.
First Bridges and Changes
The very first bridge was built in 1788. Over the years, this bridge was rebuilt many times. In 1896, a new steel bridge was constructed. This was a special type of bridge called a pony truss swing bridge. A pony truss bridge has a strong frame on its sides. A swing bridge can open up in the middle to let tall boats pass through. This 1896 bridge also had trestle approaches, which are structures that help the road reach the main part of the bridge.
The King Bridge Company from Cleveland, Ohio, built this 1896 bridge. Part of the money for building it came from the Bay State Street Railway. This company ran electric streetcars, often called trolleys. Their tracks went right over the bridge until 1934. After that, the trolley tracks were taken away.
Why a New Bridge Was Needed
By the early 1990s, the old steel bridge was in bad shape. It was worn out and needed to be taken down. So, in 1997, the current Veterans Memorial Bridge was built to replace it.
About the Current Bridge
The Veterans Memorial Bridge we see today is a strong and modern structure. It has seven main sections, with the longest part stretching 220 feet. It also has four smaller sections that lead up to the main part, ranging from 60 to 160 feet long.
This bridge is made with a special material called weathering steel. This type of steel is designed to form a protective layer of rust over time. This layer helps the steel last longer and protects it from further damage. It's a common choice for bridges built by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
