Longfellow Bridge Wetland

Offshoots and Roux Associates designed a highly aesthetic sedimentation management and constructed wetlands system for Longfellow Bridge, that fits with the context of the historic esplanade linear park. Utilizing an innovative phytoremediation approach, the project reduces phosphorus loading in the Charles River Watershed with a gravel wetland.  In looking to reduced phosphorus loading in the Charles River Watershed, MassDOT sought out a wetlands systems specialist to design a vegetated stormwater management system at the Longfellow Bridge on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. The project includes signage that describes how the system functions to remove not only phosphorus but heavy metals and other nutrients found in the bridge’s stormwater runoff. Since this project is highly visible and is a preliminary test for the effectiveness of natural treatment systems for Mass DOT, the contract includes ongoing monitoring and will serve as a model for future green infrastructure roadway improvements.