Ken Burns Bridge
Worcester - Shrewsbury, MA
Lake Quinsigamond is a favorite location for rowing, sailing and kayaking The bridge crossing it is named for Ken Burns, a local rowing champion, who in the 1920’s revived use of the lake as a center for competitive rowing. The finish line for the rowing course is the bridge. Crowds gather on the overlooks to watch the races and cheer on their schoolmates
Lake Quinsigamond lies between the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Hospital in Worcester and the commercial and residential areas of Shrewsbury. This bridge carries State Route 9, a busy arterial, and serves students and employees walking or biking between the Medical Center and Shrewsbury. The bridge is a major gateway to both towns.
The long spans open up water-level views and expand boating opportunities. The open spandrels above the arches give the bridge lightness and additional transparency. The bridges seems to skip across the water.
The arches combine into a continuous line connecting the two towns both physically and symbolically. Eight large overlooks include seating to accommodate racing fans.
The overlook braces curve like the arches
Generous sidewalks handle the pedestrian/bicycle traffic, and large boat-shaped displays narrate the history of Lake Quinsigamond and the rowing competions that have occurred here
At each end of the bridge large metallic “sails” signal the presence of the bridge and serve as gateways for each town while recalling the sailing tradition on the lake.
Specialized lighting illuminates all of these features with colors that can be varied to suit the season or occasion, whether it is a holiday or a high school football game.
The result is a bridge that equally serves transportation, recreation and community identity.
“The new bridge is great. My grandfather would have been very proud of it.”