Murphy Park | Springdale

Information

Landmark: Murphy Park
City: Springdale
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America

Murphy Park, Springdale, USA Arkansas, North America

The Memorial Bridge is a historic bascule bridge spanning the Merrimack River in Concord, New Hampshire, USA.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed primarily of steel with concrete abutments, the bridge features a distinctive bascule (drawbridge) mechanism. Its deck is approximately 15 meters wide. The steel structure exhibits a utilitarian design, painted in a dark gray hue. The approach spans are supported by concrete piers.

Location & Access Logistics

The Memorial Bridge is located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of Concord's city center. Access is via US Route 3 (North Main Street) which becomes Bridge Street on the east side of the river. Parking is available in designated lots on both the east and west banks of the Merrimack River, with the closest being the State House parking garage (west bank) and a smaller lot near the Concord Public Library (east bank). Concord's public bus system operates routes that stop near the bridge's western approach on North Main Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Memorial Bridge was constructed between 1932 and 1934. It was designed by the engineering firm Fay, Spofford & Thorndike and built by the George A. Fuller Company. Its original purpose was to provide a vital transportation link across the Merrimack River, replacing an older, less efficient structure, and to serve as a memorial to New Hampshire soldiers who served in World War I.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is permitted across the bridge, offering views of the Merrimack River. Observation of the bascule mechanism is possible when the bridge is raised for marine traffic. Fishing is permitted from the riverbanks adjacent to the bridge approaches.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Sidewalks are present on both sides of the bridge for pedestrian use. There are no dedicated restroom facilities directly on the bridge. Shade is limited to the areas beneath the bridge structure. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity. Food vendors are not typically present directly at the bridge, but are available in the downtown Concord area.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the bridge structure. The best months for visiting are generally May through October, offering milder weather. There are no tide-dependent restrictions for pedestrian access.

Facts & Legends

During its construction, the bridge was designed to accommodate future expansion of the adjacent highway system, though this expansion did not materialize as originally planned. A local anecdote suggests that during severe winter storms, the river ice can create significant pressure against the bridge's piers.