The William Felton "Bill" Russell Bridge

The new William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge has replaced the historic North Washington street truss bridge, over Boston Harbor. Renamed in honor of Bill Russell, the legendary Boston Celtics player and civil rights advocate, the new bridge exemplifies contemporary urban infrastructure with a strong focus on multimodal connectivity and architectural expression. The design of the bridge was inspired by the adjacent Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, and incorporates curved overlooks and open spaces at the central navigation span with seating areas, shaded trellises, and landscaped zones providing panoramic views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline.

Given the bridge’s exposure to harsh New England weather and its location over the Charles River, long-term durability was a key design criterion. To minimize corrosion and reduce lifecycle maintenance costs, a duplex coating system was specified for steel components. This approach ensures a long-lasting corrosion protective layer and an enduring architectural finish, addressing common challenges of premature obsolescence in urban infrastructure where funding for repainting is often limited. The bridge contains Boston’s first dedicated cycle tracks on a river crossing, alongside generous pedestrian walkways. Approximately 40% of the deck width is allocated to non-motorized users, reinforcing the city’s commitment to active transportation. Vehicular capacity includes four general-purpose lanes and a dedicated bus/HOV lane, ensuring efficient transit operations and reducing congestion. This integration of modes positions the Russell Bridge as one of the most progressive urban crossings in the United States. The bridge is a critical link between Charlestown and the North End, carrying a segment of the Freedom Trail and connecting cultural landmarks such as the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument.