Bridge Building

We were thrilled to see that Newton installed a temporary bridge to replace the one that was destroyed by a floating car in August. It’s so important for pedestrians and cyclists to be able to move easily and safely around Albemarle.

Now we’re hearing that the temporary bridge might stick around for keeps, or perhaps remain once a new location is identified for an additional footbridge which remains in the CIP.

With an accessible bridge in place, it’s time to talk aesthetics. What look and feel do we want for pedestrians and cyclists in the northern part of Newton? The most distinctive, thoughtful aesthetic in this area has been put in place by DCR along the Charles River Greenway, which offers design elements that could be supported along Cheesecake Brook.

Does the temporary bridge offer enough inviting design to stay long-term?

Maybe more to the point, this isn’t the only footbridge over Cheesecake Brook. There are two (and if we build a new bridge in the future, there will be three).

When the temporary bridge went in, the old bridge at Nevada St. and Albemarle St. also got an upgrade. $25,000 was allocated to give it a makeover. That left it with new decking, which is much safer. But the chainlink and crumbling stonework remained.

It now looks like this:

When we walk and bike around neighboring towns, we compare and contrast. Which towns are most inviting for walking and biking? What aesthetic defines the northern part of Newton? How about the southern parts of Newton?

The long-term look and feel of our outdoor space should be inviting, engaging, and connected…just like our neighborhood.