The Calvin Coolidge Memorial Bridge spans the Connecticut River and carries Route 9 between Northampton and Hadley. It replaces a bridge that was destroyed by flooding in 1936.
Funding was secured through the Hayden Cartwright Act, a federal program aimed at creating jobs through public works. The bridge was completed and dedicated in 1939, named in honor of President Calvin Coolidge--a longtime Northampton resident, former mayor, and Amherst College alumnus.
Architecturally, the bridge is a five-span Warren deck truss design, notable for its granite-faced abutment pylons adorned with carved eagles and incised lettering. The pylons measure 15 by 27 feet and feature bronze doors that open into small interior rooms. We did not stop to try to see the interior.
The bridge rail is a 3 1/2-foot-high welded steel structure in weathered green, originally fitted with low-pressure sodium lamps developed by General Electric. These were later replaced with cobra head luminaires for better color rendering.
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