Zakim Bridge, Boston

In a city where the streets seem to follow the meandering paths of colonial cows, the added chaos brought about by Boston's colossal "Big Dig" highway reconstruction project, the largest and most expensive in U.S. history, left a bitter taste when it came to driving here for more than a decade. Thankfully, the long-awaited final phase was completed in 2007. While the Big Dig's initial budget of $2.6 billion ballooned to more than quadruple that amount, most Bostonians will emphatically declare that the project was worth both the cost and the wait. Not only did it inject billions of construction dollars into the city, but it also liberated 150 acres of land for parks and recreational purposes. Additionally, it gave birth to new structures, including the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, the crowning jewel of this massive undertaking.

Affectionately known as "The Zakim," this engineering marvel stretches an impressive 1,432 feet, making it one of the widest cable-stayed hybrid bridges ever constructed and the first to feature an asymmetrical design. Unlike traditional suspension bridges where the roadbed hangs from cables strung between towers, cable-stayed bridges have cables running directly between the roadbed and the towers. While such bridges have been commonplace in Europe since World War II, they are a relatively recent addition to North America (Unsurprisingly, the concept was crafted by Swiss civil engineer Christian Menn). Furthermore, the bridge's full name pays tribute to two significant figures: Boston civic leader and civil rights advocate Leonard P. Zakim, who championed the idea of "building bridges between peoples," and the historic Battle of Bunker Hill.

Why You Should Visit:
Undeniably the most renowned bridge in Boston, a marvel of design and engineering that keeps the city's traffic flowing smoothly. Whether against a backdrop of clear blue skies or the dark canvas of night, its beauty is quite stunning. Additionally, the lighting can change, transforming the city skyline with a spectrum of colors.

Tip:
Take a stroll around the park and beneath the bridge to gain a fresh perspective, or consider hopping into a boat for a cruise beneath this architectural wonder.