Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge | Boston, Massachussettes | 2018

Architects: Rosales + Partners
Associate Architects: STV
Client: Department of Conservation and Recreation
General Contractor: J.F. White Contracting Co./
Skanska/ Consigli Construction Co./JV
Photographers: Dave Desroches and Juan Navarro

The Frances Appleton Bridge is a 750-foot long multi-use walkway located on the banks of the Charles River in Boston, MA. The bridge consists of a contemporary tubular steel arch with a span of approximately 222-feet over a parkway with a width of 14-feet.

The steel superstructure of 550-feet in length is continuous without any joints and its shape in plan follows a curvilinear alignment in two directions. The bridge placement and overall geometry was carefully selected to comply with maximum slope requirements and avoid impacting mature trees in the parkland next to the river.

The arch and approach spans follow a distinct architectural theme of slender steel piers and struts for visual consistency and aesthetic appeal The iconic bridge includes the use of a signature color, special aesthetic lighting and elegant detailing. 

The sinuous crossing is perfectly integrated into the landscape because of its transparency and lightness.