On behalf of Commissioner Roy, DCR would like to invite you to the Thompson Bridge Ribbon Cutting. Originally built in 1956 the Corporal Joseph Thompson Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located on the Charles River Greenway. It carries people over the Charles River from Newton to the DCR’s Dealtry Memorial Pool in Watertown. In early 2016 DCR made the determination to replace the bridge after multiple structural issue were identified, including the deterioration of the expansion joints and compromised concrete decking. The bridge had also been identified as a hazard for people with disabilities due to its high elevation and sloped walkway. The bridge was closed to civilian foot traffic on January 11, 2017 and construction began shortly after. Originally scheduled to be completed in early spring of 2018 the project was delayed due to fabrication issues with the steel frame. Construction included the new steel and wood ADA compliant bridge, new expanded walkways, and updated landscaping. The new bridge was also built to accommodate emergency vehicle traffic, giving first responders quicker access to the Dealtry pool. The bridge was completed on June 29, 2018, and immediately opened to the public. An aesthetic design issue with the height of the railings delayed the formal ribbon cutting until now.

-Dan Cushing, DCR Office of Government Affairs (617) 626-4989 Daniel.Cushing@state.ma.us