Cooper Street Bridge, Spanning MBTA railroad tracks, Wakefield, Middlesex County, MA

Significance: Cooper Street Bridge is significant as a very early example of reinforced concrete arch construction, notable for its substantial size, asymmetrical profile, and use of an unusual type of deformed rod for reinforcement. It is one of only two concrete-arch bridges of its age spanning more than 50' that are known to survive in Massachusetts. Although the designer of the bridge is unknown, the contractor, Joseph Ross, was one of Boston's leading builders of wharves and bridges. The Town of Wakefield's goal in building the bridge was to provide a safe crossing over what was then the Boston and Maine Railroad right-of-way, especially for children making their way to the recently enlarged Greenwood School.
Survey number: HAER MA-132