I've long admired beautiful, historic Longfellow bridge - since I first starting visiting Boston. And this last trip I finally had time to walk it! It's known affectionately by locals as the "salt and pepper" bridge since the large stone structures look like salt and pepper shakers lol! The current bridge was built in the early 1900s but this site has had a bridge across it since the late 1700s and a river crossing in one form or another since the 1630s, starting with a simple ferry crossing! How cool is that? The bridge connects Cambridge with the Beacon Hill area of downtown Boston. It was restored around 2018 and is holding up beautifully. The metro Red Line runs across it and it has bike lanes as well as wide pedestrian walkways with little "balconies" along the way to take in the gorgeous views of the Charles River and Boston Beacon Hill skyline. I caught a perfect sunset from the bridge on my walk - it's a gorgeous place for it! Highly recommend walking across on your visit to the lovely city - well worth it! But if you don't have time for walking it, the Red Line train takes you across it between Charles/MGH stop and Kendall/MIT stop and you still get to experience the views! read more

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Longfellow Bridge and the side walk around is a decent place for walking and jogging. There is a 3-mile closed loop that includes the Longfellow Bridge, Harvard Bridge, Charles River Esplanade, and the Memorial Drive. During the day, it offers a breathtaking view of the Charles River. After sunset, you can enjoy the peaceful night view of the city of Boston. read more

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Like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I crossed this bridge while in Boston, and I am happy I did both by train and by foot. By train this bridge carries the T's Red Line. It goes right down the middle of the bridge and into Cambridge, or if you are going into Boston, just near the Beacon Hill neighborhood (pricey pricey). To me, it was almost like crossing the Manhattan bridge, except you get a better view of the Charles River and it is a much quicker crossing than just a slow crawl (not that I do not like crossing the Manhattan bridge via subway - it is one of the highlights of the NYC subway!) When I returned into Boston I decided to walk across this baby just to replicate Longfellow's experiences of crossing between Cambridge and Boston when he was courting his second wife (this is why the bridge carries his namesake). It also is called the Salt and Pepper bridge by some because of the towers along the bridge look like salt and pepper shakers. But if in Boston, at least pay a visit to the bridge and pull a Longfellow! read more

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Not to be confused with Shortfellow, which is a less endowed version of this bridge. The Longfellow Bridge is a big white bridge with beautiful blue lighting underneath it. It's absolutely amazing and it features Metro trains and cars and is altogether pretty awesome. Of course it's being renovated and it's quite expensive, but it carries a ton of people in transit between Boston and Cambridge, and it's one of my favourite bridges in town. read more

They're spending $3 billion to "rehabilitate" this bring and others, perhaps because this steel arch bridge opened in 1906. It needed it. This is a major artery between Cambridge and Boston, not only carrying Massachusetts Route 3 but also the MBTA Red Line. On a clear day, this is the best spot to get a fantastic view of the Prudential and Hancock Towers. Major traffic here but that's because at least one lane is closed during the reconstruction. Perhaps one day, they will bring the Blue Line back to here. Until then, it's just the Red Line. read more

Longfellow Bridge - Back Bay from the Longfellow Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I LOVE this bridge! So much history and it has the most character of any I've seen. I even have a 1930's Silver Bromide print of it made by Hermann Lythgoe. He was born and raised in Boston and was the Director of the FDA. He dabbled in experiments which led to him working with Silver Bromide prints. I am going to sell my one of a king print that has never been seen since the 1930's. read more

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So happy that this bridge is open again and I have been taking advantage of it's direct link to kendall and central square. Allows me to visit @Tosci after walking across without feeling guilty! For the trip back, I get to stop in at Clover for takeout dinner! It will be better when all the construction on the south side of the bridge is taken down so we can enjoy the full view of the Charles River and the Boston panorama! read more

Longfellow Bridge - No sun yet but starting to perk up! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The famous Longfellow Bridge, an iconic symbol of Boston, connects Boston with Cambridge, Massachusetts. Some people call it the "Salt and Pepper" Bridge because it has four stone towers that could be said to resemble salt shakers. The Red Line subway comes above ground before stopping at the Charles/MGH station; it then crosses this bridge to Cambridge. On that side, the Red Line goes immediately back underground again and then stops at the Kendall/MIT station. In addition to the Red Line, which runs in a fenced-off area in the center, the Longfellow Bridge carries two lanes of vehicular traffic in each direction, and pedestrian sidewalks on both outer sides. Tragically, in 2008, sections of beautiful, historic ironwork were stolen by Department of Conservation and Recreation employees and sold as scrap metal for a few thousand dollars, where it was melted down and destroyed! Replacing the stolen art-metal is now estimated to cost nearly a million dollars. (I uploaded pictures that show the bridge before and after the ironwork was removed.) This senseless and preventable destruction makes me very sad, but it exemplifies the disrespect if not outright contempt those who are charged with overseeing our public infrastructure have for it. It appears obvious to me that their objective is to deliberately allow as much deterioration as possible so that eventually well-connected friends get handed nice fat contracts for the major reconstruction projects that are ultimately required. Pedestrian access from Charles Circle is poor, forcing people to walk into the roadway as the bridge ends. However, a construction project currently underway may improve that. (my advice is to cut through the MEEI parking lot if headed towards MGH) The sidewalk on the Eastern side of the bridge (facing the Museum of Science) is much wider than the Western side, but the stairs leading to the Esplanade only connect on that side. There are multiple sets of steps at either end which at first are a little confusing, but once you figure them out become very grand and elegant access points. I am a fan and frequent crosser of the Longfellow Bridge, usually on foot or bike, sometimes in a car, and occasionally on the Red Line. It is the only bridge in Massachusetts that carries so many modes of transportation. It rates four of my stars for it's beauty and the generally good service it affords cars, subways, and to a large extent pedestrians. Perhaps one of the things everyone notices are the spectacular panoramic views all crossers are treated to, even while stuck in a stalled Red Line train! read more

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Yes, I DO have a very real and sincere affection for a bridge. I walk over this bridge several times a week when the weather is decent. If I am in a hurry, I go over in a Red Line Train. I love this bridge. Read Elmer's factual description of the Longfellow for some very well-written information. For me, it's all about the view and about my delight in walking over the Charles River, with a panoramic scene that changes all the time. The walk from one side to the other takes about eight minutes and is so rewarding that it should be part of any tourist's agenda while visiting the Boston/Cambridge area. Why take the train from Kendall/MIT to Charles/MGH if you can walk it? Now that the subject of Longfellow's poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" has been immortalized by the unique syntax of a certain female Tea Party patriot, you may be interested in seeing the opening lines painted along the walkway for your reading pleasure. Sidewalk Sam was here. I don't let thoughts of mangled history lessons and narcissistic personalities interfere with my walk across the Longfellow Bridge. Instead, I watch the sail boats, kayakers and duck boats and the changing sky. I look at the architecture in Boston and Cambridge. The rumble of the Red Line and the cars that share the bridge with you remind you that you are not alone in sharing this space, but that's cool. You'll see lots of other walkers, runners and bikers enjoying the scenery, as well. This is a popular bridge. Fortunately, the Longfellow Bridge is getting a badly needed makeover. It's really been neglected and that is very sad. This facelift means some lane changes and minor inconveniences but it will be worth it to get this dignified old beauty back into shape. Hope they do some weeding and get rid of the graffiti and trash. It may sound totally dumb to admit a genuine affection for an inanimate, non-breathing structure that can't carry on a conversation, feed you, entertain you or take you out dancing. But I really feel the love. Yes, I love this bridge. read more

Longfellow Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Darn right I'm reviewing a bridge. It's Tuesday. That's Bridge Review Day. I take the T or walk over the Longfellow every morning, and it affords me one of my favorite views of the city. The breeze coming over the Charles carries the sounds of the Back Bay and washes over the innumerable runners that make this landmark part of their route. The issue with the bridge is one of maintenance. One lane is closed on either side as the powers that be test the bridge's structural integrity. Once they open back up, it'll be a bridge with a lot of good character and none of that bad character. I hope that day comes soon. read more

Gorgeous bridge that is welcoming to cyclist, walkers, as well as cars. The 2018 renovation was huge for it and it shows. Stunners views of both Cambridge and Boston . On the Boston side it connects to the park along the water perfectly! read more

As far as bridges go, i guess this is alright, but, i mean, is been under some sort of construction for like the past 6 years, my understanding is that its not very safe, at all. it does have some nice sculptures and junk. i guess. so, yeah, this is my review of... a bridge.... (i was surprised that it let me check in...) read more

Longfellow Bridge - :( - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Howdy Beantown!!! Wonderful views of Boston! This is a beautiful bridge that spans the Charles River, taking you from the main part of Boston to where MIT and Harvard are. You can cross it by car, on the MBTA Red Line, or on foot. The Red Line offers a brief glimpse of the salt & pepper shakers that make up the bridge, but since the T is in a rush, you hardly get a good view of the bridge to take it all own. So I decided to go check it out on bike to get a closer glimpse on the way to the Esplanade. The bridge does offer a dedicated bike lane that's quite narrow, and presses you up against a traffic barricade. Halfway across the bridge, I was wishing I had ridden the bicycle along the sidewalk, like all the locals seemed to be doing. Merging with traffic became a problem at the base of the bridge when trying to get back in the pedestrian area, I was cut off with all the traffic barricades. The bridge offers magnificent views of Beacon Hill and all of Boston! While I was there, they were doing some construction on the bridge, dismantling part of it. It's worth checking out! read more

I do feel quite silly for reviewing a bridge, especially after reading Jack M.'s tells-it-like-he-sees-it "why would you review a *bridge*?" review. Here's my take on it for walking, running, and views. Walking: I like walking over the Longfellow Bridge from Kendall Square to Beacon Hill to my school. It's a peaceful commute in nice weather, especially with the sunrise overlooking the Charles. Running: Good for bridge loops from the Central Square or Back Bay area. I like the hilly incline, though the narrowness of the sidewalks makes it hard to run two abreast (if with a running buddy). Views: Museum of Science, Boston skyline with Citgo sign, State House, Pru and John Hancock building. I like seeing the river completely iced over in winter and teeming with MIT sailboats in the summer. read more

And I thought I'd be the first one to review a bridge! Glad to see there are other nerds on here who at some point had the same idea as I did today: Review a bridge on Yelp. We should all meet up at the bridge and marvel at its awesomeness. And ours. For me, there is nothing like the Longfellow Bridge. Well, as far as bridges go, anyway. I mean, I enjoy chocolate, Apple products, rock concerts, and even certain episodes of the Bachelorette more than I enjoy bridges. But for bridge standards, the Longfellow receives highest honors. Of course it's a good view. But it's also a comfortable, walkable bridge. And I have found that the walk between Fenway Park after a ballgame to Central Square (where I live) utilizing the Longfellow Bridge is the most perfect post-game chill out. I take this bridge on my way in and out of work every day, and I actually look forward to going in to work simply because I get a few minutes on the bridge. It's those few minutes where I can just lose myself and stare at the scenery and forget that I have a long day ahead. Yay, conveniently-located bridge! read more

Why do I love the longfellow bridge? Is it because it allows me to venture into boston on my lunch break? Is it because I always think of salt and pepper shakers when I look at it? Is it because that the bridge is just beautiful, full of history? Is it because from this bridge you get one of the best views of boston? Is it because the bridge has a part in the opening of boondock saints and when I saw that in Kentucky, I got incredibly homesick? ok... it's the latter, but that doesn't mean the former aren't also true. read more

Quoting a reliable source, posted elsewhere on the interweb**... It's not just that the Longfellow Bridge is broken and the trains are required to creep over it at 5mph. Not just that you can expect multi minute waits at multiple stations on most rides. Or the uncanny frequency of "electrical problems" or "switching issues" causing thousands of frustrated, sweating riders to squirm uncomfortably in intimate proximity as they waste their mornings and evenings trapped underground. Again. Nope. It's that this is happening on a vital piece of urban technology running through one of the densest populations of big brains on the planet (amazingly, less than 200m from the Volpe Transportation Center). And no one can manage to plan and execute a solution that will, in the most optimistic of circumstances, take less than five years and $250 million to deliver. In the midst of an incipient energy crisis. Where dependence on efficient and dependable mass transit can only grow. ...The poor, hapless Longfellow looks longingly downstream at the lithe, majestic Zakim/BHB. You can hear it mumble the litany of neglect, even over the creaking, groaning, stop-and-go redline service that drags you across its rusted spine: "Have I not served you faithfully all these long decades? Have I not been beautiful as well as essential to your comings and goings, your countless concerts and celebrations, your daily commutes? Why, oh why have you let it come to this? Why have you mistreated me so? And when are you going to help make me better?" **http://urbandefects.blogspot.com/2008/06/red-line-is-urban-defect.html read more

Should be grand. One of the best views of the city (or any city) I've ever seen. The issue is city maintenance, which is poor. The walkways are poorly maintained and narrow. Great architecture requires upkeep. The city needs to do better. read more

This bridge really only has three things going for it: carrying the Red Line, the salt and pepper shakers, and the views. Yes, it's necessary for transportation, and without it Cambridge and Somerville wouldn't have subway service (see my review of the Green Line before arguing that Lechmere counts as subway service), so I begrudgingly give it its due of three stars, but only out of necessity. The long list of strikes against the Longfellow Bridge begins with: - Thinness of bike lanes, and practical non-existence of bike lanes on the Boston-side approach. - Thinness of sidewalks. Seriously, it's hard to pass people who are jogging and have got their arms pumping in and out, or people with a stroller, or couples walking together. - For some reason, there's always broken glass on the upriver side of the bridge that I keep worrying is going to puncture my tires or fly up when I ride over it and give me hepatitis. - Lack of inspiration of confidence in structural integrity. This thing's so rusty you could get tetanus from googling it. - The hideous traffic circle / intersection / expressway interchange / cab stand on the Boston side. Counting W. Cedar Street and the driveway for the Liberty Hotel, this is an eight-way intersection. Very cleverly, the MBTA and the City of Boston decided to put a major T station in the middle of this octopus, so pedestrians have to walk through the morass of cars and bikes and ambulances, which makes about as much sense as putting a major T station in the middle of an actual octopus. This, and the previous two reasons, is why they built a major hospital right next door. read more

Distinguished from other bridges by the gigantic salt and pepper shakers and the constant stream of Boston Duck Tour boats. Better to run across than the Mass Ave bridge (a bit less windy). A lovely lovely view of Boston when crossing, either on foot on on the Red Line. read more

You know the only thing you people should be saying when reviewing a bridge? "I drove my car over it and it didn't fall down". That's it. Why, WHY would you review a stupid bridge? Unless it's one where Washington walked over himself and carved his initials in it, I don't care! Sometimes this site makes my head hurt. read more

I should point out that the Longfellow's west side sidewalk (the one on the side where the cars are going into Boston) is blocked off until further notice. In walking the other side, I've found that the "going into Cambridge" side is even more expansive, and the walk is still nice. So this is more of an informative thing than anything else, because my review remains for the most part unchanged. read more

From an engineering perspective, the Longfellow Bridge was structurally deficient the day it opened. That's what usually happens with public works designed by architects rather than engineers. To make matters worse, state agencies routinely underestimate the cost and time to renovate urban bridges, as they recently did with the BU Bridge and the Alford Street Bridge. As of mid-2013, they estimate about $250 million and 3-1/2 years to renovate the Longfellow, but their track record suggests at least $400 million and 5 years. The Longfellow's pretentious ten granite piers and eleven steel-arch spans, extending for 1,800 feet, were designed around 1897 to carry trains as well as horse-drawn vehicles and the emerging motor vehicles. The four cigar-stub towers were never anything but decorations. At the time, the lower Charles River was tidal mudflats. Shortly after the bridge opened in 1907, what is now known as the Science Park dam turned this part of the river into a catch basin for raw municipal sewage and industrial waste. The former Union Railway had begun operating horse-drawn streetcars across the previous West Boston Bridge in 1856. Its successor, the West End Street Railway, began operating electrically powered streetcars across the previous bridge in 1889. The name Longfellow was merely a sentimental afterthought, attached about 30 years after the current bridge opened. By that time, the Charles River basin had already accumulated a bed of sewage and toxins up to a foot thick. They are now up to five feet thick. From the beginning, the Longfellow and the Charles River basin were engineering disasters that never needed to happen. Just upriver, for example, is the Harvard Bridge--a longer bridge, about 15 years older. Unlike the Longfellow, it was built on-time and on-budget, even though originally it too had streetcar tracks and had a swing-section to accommodate barges traveling the Charles River. In the 1980s, major renovation cost about $16 million, again on-time and on-budget. The difference, well over tenfold, was sound engineering and reliable construction of the Harvard Bridge, both when built and when renovated. The greatest misfortune of the Longfellow Bridge was that the complex, badly engineered structure came under custody of the former Metropolitan District Commission, an even worse steward than the Port Authority became of the Tobin Bridge. Unlike the Harvard Bridge, the Longfellow had not been designed to withstand careless management. In 1959, the Longfellow got a first overhaul under the MDC, by then a rotten, patronage-ridden agency in decline. The job was botched, failing to address complex features of the bridge, and after several years the Longfellow again fell into severe disrepair. The Longfellow went to an unprepared Department of Conservation and Recreation in 2003. The state highway department planned an immediate overhaul, at an estimated cost of $125 million. Haggling over design with DCR added ten years of delay to a project only starting in 2013. Through 2013, the highway department has contracted for over $20 million in emergency repairs, to shore up the bridge against the nearly disastrous lack of maintenance under a former, corrupt MDC and a current, quarrelsome DCR. The DCR has been taken over by antiquarians, determined to preserve not only the shape of the Longfellow but also its structurally deficient, badly corroded original materials. The Longfellow Bridge was an obvious candidate for demolition and replacement. By trying to overhaul rather than replace it, the cost of its bridge service, per lane-mile per year, could rise much higher than even the prodigal spending on a new Fore River Bridge between Quincy and Weymouth, and the bridge's probable lifetime before another round of major maintenance is needed will not likely prove longer than 30 to 40 years. read more

Yes, that's right. I have experienced better. This is the most cramped bridge connecting Boston and Cambridge. Parts of it are always under construction and walking the bridge does not accommodate 2 way people traffic. And god forbid some moron who rides a bike takes the sidewalk instead of the street uses it. The view is great but not that much different from any other bridge over the Charles. For regular traffic it's more functional but this bridge is not pedestrian friendly. read more

Well It is a bridge. It allows you to get from one side of a river to the other. So i have to give it 5 stars. It works as advertised. But the view is what really sets this bridge apart from your random bridge. On one side you get to see the Zakem bridge, MOS, and duck boats! and on the other you get Storrow Drive and downtown boston. If you catch it in the right light it is a stellar view to say the least. Walk this bridge if you get the oppurtunity. Ya wont regret it. read more

it's a bridge under construction for the last few hundred years. is anybody working on it? don't give it your business!

This is my favorite of the three bridges to cross over into Cambridge on foot from. The Mass Ave bridge is too plain, the Science Park bridge is too small, but this one has character. It seems like there has been construction work on this bridge forever, and hopefully that will restore it to most of its former delightful appearance. read more

This is my favorite bridge they nickname it salt and pepper because the 4 mini towers shapes like the shaker bottles i love the view backbay one side and downtown on other side it's very classy and antic the red line go's over it read more