Visiting Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge in Boston: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Date: 01/08/2024

Introduction

The Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge, commonly referred to as the Tobin Bridge, is a significant infrastructure landmark in Boston, Massachusetts. Connecting the Charlestown neighborhood to the city of Chelsea, the bridge spans the Mystic River and has been a vital transportation link since its opening in 1950. Named after Maurice J. Tobin, a former Mayor of Boston and Governor of Massachusetts, the bridge is notable for its historical, architectural, economic, and cultural importance. It serves as a critical route for commuters and freight, facilitating efficient travel and commerce in the Greater Boston area. This comprehensive guide explores the bridge’s rich history, its engineering marvels, and provides practical information for visitors, making it an essential read for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. With its towering presence and distinctive design, the Tobin Bridge also stands as a symbol of Boston’s industrial heritage and ongoing evolution (Wikipedia, Celebrate Boston).

Table of Contents

History of the Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge

Origins and Construction

The Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge, originally known as the Mystic River Bridge, spans the Mystic River from Charlestown to Chelsea, Massachusetts. Construction took place between 1948 and 1950, officially opening to traffic on February 2, 1950. The bridge was built to replace the former Chelsea Bridge, which had become inadequate for the increasing traffic demands of the time (Wikipedia). The construction of the bridge was authorized by Maurice J. Tobin during his tenure as Governor of Massachusetts (1945-1947). Tobin, who later served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Harry Truman, was a significant figure in Boston’s political landscape. His support for labor laws and infrastructure projects left a lasting legacy, culminating in the bridge being renamed in his honor in 1967 (Celebrate Boston).

Design and Structure

The Tobin Bridge is notable for its length and design. It spans more than two miles (3.2 km) and is the largest bridge in New England. The main span is a cantilever through truss, a three-span unit totaling 1,524 feet with an 800-foot center span. Additionally, there is a large 439-foot fixed through truss span over the Little Mystic Channel, with most of the remaining spans being deck plate girders (Historic Bridges). The bridge features a double-deck design, with three lanes of traffic on each level. Northbound traffic travels on the lower level, while southbound traffic uses the upper level. The 36-foot-wide roadway is designed to handle significant traffic volumes, connecting U.S. Route 1 with downtown Boston and the Big Dig tunnel system (Celebrate Boston).

Financing and Management

The construction of the Tobin Bridge was financed through $27 million in bonds issued by the Mystic River Bridge Authority. According to the statute enacted on May 23, 1946, the bridge would be turned over to the Massachusetts Department of Public Works once the bonds were retired. This transfer occurred in 1956, and the bridge became part of the state highway system, maintained and operated by the department (Wikipedia). In 1959, the Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort) took over the operation of the bridge, along with Logan Airport, Hanscom Field, and the Port of Boston. This transaction was humorously described by State Treasurer Kennedy as a “bigger steal than the Brinks robbery” due to its $44 million valuation (Celebrate Boston).

Renaming and Tolls

In 1967, the bridge was renamed the Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge to honor the former Boston mayor and Massachusetts governor. Despite the renaming, the bridge continued to be commonly referred to as the Tobin Bridge or its former name, the Mystic River Bridge (Wikipedia). Initially, the bridge had tolls to cover its construction and maintenance costs. The southbound tolls were increased to 25 cents in the 1980s to cover the closing of the northbound toll plaza. Starting in the early 1990s, tolls increased sharply to help pay for the Big Dig project. In 2014, the tollbooths were closed and replaced with an all-electronic and cashless tolling system. The current toll rate is $1.25 in both directions, with a 30-cent surcharge for pay-by-mail (Wikipedia).

Incidents and Safety Measures

Over its more than 50-year lifespan, the Tobin Bridge has experienced several notable incidents. In 1973, a gravel truck traveling on the lower deck crashed into a support, causing the upper deck to collapse onto the truck and killing the driver. The bridge was closed for more than two months for repairs before reopening later that year (Wikipedia). Suicides and attempted suicides have also been a concern for authorities. The design and weight of the bridge make it impossible to add suicide prevention devices. As a result, MassDOT employees are trained to monitor security cameras and watch for any vehicles that stop on the bridge for any reason (Wikipedia).

Modern Developments

In recent years, the Tobin Bridge has undergone several modernizations to improve its functionality and safety. In 2010, legislation was passed to transfer the bridge from MassPort to the new Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). This transfer became effective on January 1, 2010 (Wikipedia). The most significant modernization was the implementation of the all-electronic tolling system in 2014. This system uses E-ZPass for toll collection at the current rate or “pay-by-mail” where an invoice is sent to motorists’ homes via license plate number recognition. This change was part of a broader initiative by MassDOT to convert all toll roads and bridges in the Commonwealth to automatic open road tolling (Wikipedia).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The Tobin Bridge is accessible 24/7, making it easy for visitors to drive across at any time. While there are no specific visiting hours or tickets required to cross the bridge, tolls are applicable as mentioned above. For the best views, consider driving across during daylight hours.

Travel Tips

  • E-ZPass: To avoid additional fees, consider obtaining an E-ZPass, which streamlines the toll payment process.
  • Traffic: Be mindful of rush hour traffic as the bridge connects to major thoroughfares leading into downtown Boston.
  • Nearby Attractions: After crossing the bridge, explore nearby historical sites such as Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Tobin Bridge holds a special place in the hearts of Massachusetts residents. It is not only a critical infrastructure component but also a symbol of the state’s industrial and political history. Maurice J. Tobin’s contributions to labor laws and infrastructure development are commemorated through the bridge that bears his name. The bridge’s distinctive rustic green paint and its towering presence over the Mystic River make it an iconic landmark in the Boston area (Only In Your State). The bridge’s historical significance is further highlighted by its inclusion in various cultural references and its role in the daily lives of commuters. It serves as a reminder of the region’s rich history and the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its infrastructure for future generations (Boston Globe).

Conclusion

In summary, the Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge is a testament to the vision and dedication of its namesake, Maurice J. Tobin. Its construction, design, and ongoing modernization efforts reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of Boston’s infrastructure. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, driving across this iconic bridge offers a glimpse into the rich history and engineering prowess that define the Boston area.

FAQ

What are the visiting hours for the Tobin Bridge? The bridge is accessible 24/7 for vehicular traffic.

How much are the tolls on the Tobin Bridge? The current toll rate is $1.25 in both directions, with a 30-cent surcharge for pay-by-mail.

Are there any guided tours available for the Tobin Bridge? There are no official guided tours, but the bridge’s historical significance and scenic views make it worth exploring on your own.

What are some nearby attractions to visit after crossing the Tobin Bridge? Nearby attractions include the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown.

References

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Boston

Adams National Historical Park
Adams National Historical Park
Adams-Nervine Asylum
Adams-Nervine Asylum
African Meeting House
African Meeting House
Airport Station
Airport Station
Allston Street Station
Allston Street Station
Allumination
Allumination
Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company Of Massachusetts
Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company Of Massachusetts
Andrew Station
Andrew Station
Appeal To The Great Spirit
Appeal To The Great Spirit
Arlington Station
Arlington Station
Arlington Street Church
Arlington Street Church
Arnold Arboretum
Arnold Arboretum
Arthur Fiedler Memorial
Arthur Fiedler Memorial
Babcock Street Station
Babcock Street Station
Back Bay Fens
Back Bay Fens
Back Bay Station
Back Bay Station
Back Of The Hill Station
Back Of The Hill Station
Bagheera Fountain
Bagheera Fountain
Basilica And Shrine Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
Basilica And Shrine Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
Battle Of Bunker Hill
Battle Of Bunker Hill
Beacon Hill Monument
Beacon Hill Monument
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Berklee College Of Music
Berklee College Of Music
Big Dig
Big Dig
Blandford Street Station
Blandford Street Station
Boston Athenæum
Boston Athenæum
Boston Center For The Arts
Boston Center For The Arts
|
  Boston Children'S Museum
| Boston Children'S Museum
Boston Citgo Sign
Boston Citgo Sign
Boston City Hall
Boston City Hall
Boston College Station
Boston College Station
Boston Common
Boston Common
Boston Consumptives Hospital
Boston Consumptives Hospital
Boston Garden
Boston Garden
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston Light
Boston Light
Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon Bombings
Boston Marathon Bombings
Boston Massacre Monument
Boston Massacre Monument
Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Library
Boston Medical Library
Boston Museum
Boston Museum
Boston Music Hall
Boston Music Hall
Boston Navy Yard
Boston Navy Yard
Boston Opera House
Boston Opera House
|
  Boston Playwrights' Theatre
| Boston Playwrights' Theatre
Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden Flagpole Base
Boston Public Garden Flagpole Base
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Boston State Hospital
Boston State Hospital
Boston Strong
Boston Strong
Boston University
Boston University
Boston University Central Station
Boston University Central Station
Boston University East Station
Boston University East Station
Boston University Libraries
Boston University Libraries
|
  Boston Women'S Memorial
| Boston Women'S Memorial
Boy And Bird Fountain
Boy And Bird Fountain
Boylston Station
Boylston Station
Brigham Circle Station
Brigham Circle Station
Brighton
Brighton
Brook Farm
Brook Farm
Bunker Hill Monument
Bunker Hill Monument
Bust Of Patrick Collins
Bust Of Patrick Collins
Bust Of Richard Cushing
Bust Of Richard Cushing
Castle Island
Castle Island
Cathedral Of The Holy Cross
Cathedral Of The Holy Cross
Charles Eliot Memorial
Charles Eliot Memorial
Charles Street Jail
Charles Street Jail
Charlesgate Hotel
Charlesgate Hotel
Charlestown Bridge
Charlestown Bridge
Chestnut Hill Avenue Station
Chestnut Hill Avenue Station
China Trade Gate
China Trade Gate
Chinatown Heritage
Chinatown Heritage
Chinatown Station
Chinatown Station
Chiswick Road Station
Chiswick Road Station
Cleveland Circle Station
Cleveland Circle Station
Codman Burying Ground
Codman Burying Ground
Colonial Theatre, Boston
Colonial Theatre, Boston
|
  Commandant'S House
| Commandant'S House
Community College Station
Community College Station
Consulate Of France In Boston
Consulate Of France In Boston
Copley Square
Copley Square
|
  Copp'S Hill Burying Ground
| Copp'S Hill Burying Ground
Custom House Tower
Custom House Tower
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Declaration Of Independence Tablet
Declaration Of Independence Tablet
Democratic Donkey
Democratic Donkey
Dewey Square
Dewey Square
Digital Public Library Of America
Digital Public Library Of America
Dolphins Of The Sea
Dolphins Of The Sea
Dorchester Art Project
Dorchester Art Project
Dorchester Heights
Dorchester Heights
Dorchester Heights Monument
Dorchester Heights Monument
Downtown Crossing Station
Downtown Crossing Station
Echo Bridge
Echo Bridge
Echo Of The Waves
Echo Of The Waves
Eddie Pellagrini Diamond
Eddie Pellagrini Diamond
Edward M. Kennedy Institute For The United States Senate
Edward M. Kennedy Institute For The United States Senate
Edwin Upton Curtis Memorial
Edwin Upton Curtis Memorial
Emancipation
Emancipation
Emerald Necklace
Emerald Necklace
Englewood Avenue Station
Englewood Avenue Station
Equestrian Statue Of George Washington
Equestrian Statue Of George Washington
Equestrian Statue Of Joseph Hooker
Equestrian Statue Of Joseph Hooker
Equestrian Statue Of Paul Revere
Equestrian Statue Of Paul Revere
Ether Monument
Ether Monument
Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Of Boston
Federal Reserve Bank Of Boston
Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Station
Fenway Station
Fenwood Road Station
Fenwood Road Station
|
  Firemen'S Memorial
| Firemen'S Memorial
First Church In Boston
First Church In Boston
Floating Hospital For Children
Floating Hospital For Children
Forest Hills Cemetery
Forest Hills Cemetery
Fort Independence
Fort Independence
Fort Revere Park
Fort Revere Park
Fort Strong
Fort Strong
Fort Warren
Fort Warren
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
George Robert White Memorial
George Robert White Memorial
George Thorndike Angell Memorial
George Thorndike Angell Memorial
Granary Burying Ground
Granary Burying Ground
Great Molasses Flood
Great Molasses Flood
Griggs Street Station
Griggs Street Station
Harriet Tubman Memorial
Harriet Tubman Memorial
Harrison Gray Otis House Ii
Harrison Gray Otis House Ii
Harvard Avenue Station
Harvard Avenue Station
Harvard Bridge
Harvard Bridge
Harvard School Of Dental Medicine
Harvard School Of Dental Medicine
Harvard Square
Harvard Square
Harvard Stadium
Harvard Stadium
Hawes Burying Ground
Hawes Burying Ground
Heath Street Station
Heath Street Station
Hooper Mansion
Hooper Mansion
Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial
Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial
Hungarian Revolution Memorial
Hungarian Revolution Memorial
Huntington Avenue Theatre
Huntington Avenue Theatre
Huntington Theatre Company
Huntington Theatre Company
Indian Hunter
Indian Hunter
Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston
Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Japanese Lantern
Japanese Lantern
John Barry Tablet
John Barry Tablet
|
  John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial
| John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
John Hancock Tower
John Hancock Tower
John Harvard Statue
John Harvard Statue
|
  Joseph J. O'Donnell Field
| Joseph J. O'Donnell Field
Joslin Diabetes Center
Joslin Diabetes Center
|
  King'S Chapel
| King'S Chapel
|
  King'S Chapel Burying Ground
| King'S Chapel Burying Ground
Larz Anderson Park
Larz Anderson Park
Lechmere Viaduct
Lechmere Viaduct
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Lexington Battle Green
Lexington Battle Green
Logan International Airport
Logan International Airport
Long Wharf
Long Wharf
Longfellow Bridge
Longfellow Bridge
Longwood Medical Area Station
Longwood Medical Area Station
Lotta Fountain
Lotta Fountain
Louisburg Square
Louisburg Square
Lower Mills
Lower Mills
Make Way For Ducklings
Make Way For Ducklings
Malcolm X And Ella Little-Collins House
Malcolm X And Ella Little-Collins House
Marine Barracks
Marine Barracks
Marvin E. Goody Memorial
Marvin E. Goody Memorial
Massachusetts Archives
Massachusetts Archives
Massachusetts Avenue
Massachusetts Avenue
Massachusetts Avenue Station
Massachusetts Avenue Station
Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial
Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House
Mattapan Station
Mattapan Station
Memorial To Robert Gould Shaw And The Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment
Memorial To Robert Gould Shaw And The Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment
Metropolitan Park System Of Greater Boston
Metropolitan Park System Of Greater Boston
Mgh Institute Of Health Professions
Mgh Institute Of Health Professions
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Mission Park Station
Mission Park Station
Morse Auditorium
Morse Auditorium
Mount Calvary Cemetery
Mount Calvary Cemetery
Mugar Memorial Library
Mugar Memorial Library
Museum Of Fine Arts Boston
Museum Of Fine Arts Boston
Museum Of Fine Arts Station
Museum Of Fine Arts Station
Museum Of Science
Museum Of Science
Neighborhood In Boston
Neighborhood In Boston
New Calvary Cemetery
New Calvary Cemetery
New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
New England Conservatory
New England Conservatory
New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England Holocaust Memorial
New England Holocaust Memorial
New England Museum Of Natural History
New England Museum Of Natural History
Nixes Mate
Nixes Mate
|
  Nix'S Mate Daybeacon
| Nix'S Mate Daybeacon
Noble School
Noble School
North Shore Medical Center
North Shore Medical Center
North Square
North Square
North Station
North Station
Northeastern University
Northeastern University
Old City Hall
Old City Hall
Old Corner Bookstore
Old Corner Bookstore
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old South Church
Old South Church
Old South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House
Old State House
Old State House
Olmsted Park
Olmsted Park
Omni Parker House
Omni Parker House
Oneida Football Club
Oneida Football Club
Oneida Football Club Monument
Oneida Football Club Monument
Orient Heights Station
Orient Heights Station
Orpheum Theatre
Orpheum Theatre
Packards Corner Station
Packards Corner Station
Park Square
Park Square
Paul Revere House
Paul Revere House
Pope John Paul Ii Memorial
Pope John Paul Ii Memorial
Port Of Boston
Port Of Boston
Post Office Square
Post Office Square
Prudential Station
Prudential Station
Prudential Tower
Prudential Tower
Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial
Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial
Quincy Market
Quincy Market
Quincy Quarries Reservation
Quincy Quarries Reservation
Rachael Revere Park
Rachael Revere Park
Riverway Station
Riverway Station
Rko-Boston
Rko-Boston
Ruggles Station
Ruggles Station
Saint Francis De Sales Cemetery
Saint Francis De Sales Cemetery
Saint James The Apostle Cemetery
Saint James The Apostle Cemetery
|
  Saint Mary'S Cemetery
| Saint Mary'S Cemetery
Saint Michael Cemetery
Saint Michael Cemetery
Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Science Park Station
Science Park Station
Shubert Theatre
Shubert Theatre
Small Child Fountain
Small Child Fountain
Smith Court Residences
Smith Court Residences
Soldiers And Sailors Monument
Soldiers And Sailors Monument
South Station
South Station
South Street Station
South Street Station
Spangler Center
Spangler Center
|
  St. Elizabeth'S Medical Center
| St. Elizabeth'S Medical Center
|
  St. Mary'S Cemetery
| St. Mary'S Cemetery
|
  St. Stephen'S Church
| St. Stephen'S Church
State Station
State Station
State Theatre
State Theatre
Statler Fountain
Statler Fountain
Statue Of Alexander Hamilton
Statue Of Alexander Hamilton
Statue Of Anne Hutchinson
Statue Of Anne Hutchinson
Statue Of Benjamin Franklin
Statue Of Benjamin Franklin
Statue Of Bill Russell
Statue Of Bill Russell
Statue Of Bobby Orr
Statue Of Bobby Orr
Statue Of Charles Devens
Statue Of Charles Devens
Statue Of Charles Sumner
Statue Of Charles Sumner
Statue Of Christopher Columbus
Statue Of Christopher Columbus
Statue Of Daniel Webster
Statue Of Daniel Webster
Statue Of David Farragut
Statue Of David Farragut
Statue Of David I. Walsh
Statue Of David I. Walsh
Statue Of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento
Statue Of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento
Statue Of Edward Everett Hale
Statue Of Edward Everett Hale
Statue Of George S. Patton
Statue Of George S. Patton
Statue Of Henry Cabot Lodge
Statue Of Henry Cabot Lodge
Statue Of Horace Mann
Statue Of Horace Mann
Statue Of John Endecott
Statue Of John Endecott
Statue Of John F. Kennedy
Statue Of John F. Kennedy
Statue Of John Glover
Statue Of John Glover
Statue Of John Singleton Copley
Statue Of John Singleton Copley
Statue Of John Winthrop
Statue Of John Winthrop
Statue Of Josiah Quincy Iii
Statue Of Josiah Quincy Iii
Statue Of Kevin White
Statue Of Kevin White
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Mary Dyer
Statue Of Mary Dyer
Statue Of Maurice J. Tobin
Statue Of Maurice J. Tobin
Statue Of Phillips Brooks
Statue Of Phillips Brooks
Statue Of Red Auerbach
Statue Of Red Auerbach
Statue Of Robert Burns
Statue Of Robert Burns
Statue Of Samuel Eliot Morison
Statue Of Samuel Eliot Morison
Statue Of Tadeusz Kościuszko
Statue Of Tadeusz Kościuszko
Statue Of Tony Demarco
Statue Of Tony Demarco
Statue Of Wendell Phillips
Statue Of Wendell Phillips
Statue Of William Lloyd Garrison
Statue Of William Lloyd Garrison
Statue Of William Prescott
Statue Of William Prescott
Statues Of James Michael Curley
Statues Of James Michael Curley
Suffolk Downs Station
Suffolk Downs Station
Sullivan Square Station
Sullivan Square Station
Sutherland Road Station
Sutherland Road Station
Swan Boats
Swan Boats
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall
Symphony Station
Symphony Station
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Boston
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Boston
Tappan Street Station
Tappan Street Station
Td Garden
Td Garden
Ted Williams Tunnel
Ted Williams Tunnel
Temple Bell
Temple Bell
The Eliot Suite Hotel
The Eliot Suite Hotel
The Embrace
The Embrace
The Founders Memorial
The Founders Memorial
The Partisans
The Partisans
The Tortoise And The Hare
The Tortoise And The Hare
The Trustees Of Reservations
The Trustees Of Reservations
Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church
Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church
Thermopylae
Thermopylae
Tobin Bridge
Tobin Bridge
Tremont Street Subway
Tremont Street Subway
Tremont Temple
Tremont Temple
Trinity Church
Trinity Church
Triton Babies Fountain
Triton Babies Fountain
Tufts Medical Center Station
Tufts Medical Center Station
Tufts University School Of Dental Medicine
Tufts University School Of Dental Medicine
Union Cemetery
Union Cemetery
University Of Massachusetts Boston
University Of Massachusetts Boston
Uss Cassin Young
Uss Cassin Young
Uss Constitution
Uss Constitution
Uss Constitution Museum
Uss Constitution Museum
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Walter Brown Arena
Walter Brown Arena
Walter Street Burying Ground
Walter Street Burying Ground
Wang Theatre
Wang Theatre
Warren Anatomical Museum
Warren Anatomical Museum
Warren Street Station
Warren Street Station
Washington Street Station
Washington Street Station
William Lloyd Garrison House
William Lloyd Garrison House
Wood Island Station
Wood Island Station
World War I Memorial
World War I Memorial
World War Ii Memorial
World War Ii Memorial