• Two interpretive panels framed with decorative metal arches, installed at the trailhead for the Garrison Trail. The area is furnished with landscape plantings, pavers, stone benches, with the stone trailhead marker visible in the background.
  • Interpretive Panel titled "Ship Building Along the Merrimack" installed on the Whittier Bridge at Garrison Trail with fall foliage in the background.
  • Locals inspecting the interpretive panels installed on the Whittier Bridge at Garrison Trail with fall foliage in the background.
  • Interpretive Panel titled "Early Transportation in the Lower Merrimack Valley" installed on the Whittier Bridge at Garrison Trail, overlooking the water.

Whittier Bridge – Garrison Trail Interpretive Signage

Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Massachusetts

BETA played a key role in interpretive design and repurposing of bridge artifacts for the $300 million design/build Whittier Bridge Replacement/I-95 Improvement Project in Amesbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury, Massachusetts.

Work included trailhead design and 22 environmental, historic, and wayfinding interpretive panels for the William Lloyd Garrison Trail, a two-mile shared-use path. The Garrison Trail is the first shared-use path in Massachusetts to cross an interstate highway. BETA coordinated an extensive public outreach program with the three communities to gain input on the design of the panels and their mountings, as well as the selection of locations at various trailheads and bridge overlooks. Numerous bridge artifacts, including plaques, granite stonework, and bridge pieces, were repurposed throughout the project as benches, signage, and interpretive sculptures.