The William Felton "Bill" Russell Bridge

The William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge replaced the historic North Washington Street truss bridge over Boston Harbor, carrying the crossing into a new era. Renamed for Bill Russell –Boston Celtics legend and civil rights advocate – exemplifies contemporary urban infrastructure with a strong focus on multimodal connectivity and architectural expression. Echoing the nearby Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, its central navigation span opens into curved overlooks and gathering spaces with seating, shaded trellises, and landscaped pockets providing panoramic views of Boston Harbor and the skyline.

With harsh New England weather and constant exposure over the Charles River, long-term durability was non-negotiable. To minimize corrosion and reduce life-cycle costs, the project uses a duplex coating system for steel components—combining robust corrosion protection of HDG with an enduring architectural finish. It is a practical safeguard against the familiar reality of urban infrastructure: repainting cycles that are too often delayed when budgets tighten.

Built for people as much as vehicles, the bridge offers Boston’s first dedicated cycle tracks on a river crossing, alongside generous pedestrian walkways. Approximately 40% of the deck width is devoted to non-motorized users reinforcing the city’s commitment to active transportation. For traffic and transit, it provides four general-purpose lanes plus a dedicated bus/HOV lane to support reliable movement and reduce congestion. The result is a progressive urban crossing and a critical link between Charlestown and the North End, carrying a segment of the Freedom Trail and connecting landmarks including the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.