Longfellow Bridge, Cambridge, Mass.

Everett, MA At its recent annual meeting, the American Galvanizers Association, a non-profit trade association dedicated to serving the needs of the design and construction community by providing technical support on today’s innovative applications and technological developments in the hot-dip galvanizing industry, said that two of its awards were presented to Duncan Galvanizing.

Founded in 1890, Duncan Galvanizing was recognized for its work on Faneuil Hall Marketplace Center (Lifetime Achievement Award) and the Rehabilitation of Longfellow Bridge (Phase 1).

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a project that has been in service at least 15 years and demonstrates hot-dip galvanized steel’s resiliency. Faneuil Hall, located on Boston’s waterfront, is one of the city’s major tourist attractions and Marketplace Center, a 17 story high-rise mixed use building was the final component in the rebirth of Faneuil Hall.

The main feature of Marketplace Center is the open “Walkway to the Sea.” This is a steel framed, glass canopied structure designed to allow pedestrians to walk from Faneuil Hall directly to the waterfront. Since it is an architecturally important and highly visible open structure that is constantly exposed to the moist sea air, the architect wanted a coating system that would not only protect the steel from corrosion, but would also provide the aesthetics required. Duncan’s Colorgalv system was specified and has been protecting the steel since its opening in1985.

Duncan also received the Award of Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing in the Bridge & Highway sector for its work on the Rehabilitation of the Longfellow Bridge (Phase 1).

The rehabilitation of the Longfellow Bridge is a $270 million, multi-year project currently being undertaken by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Opened in 1906 and spanning the Charles River, the historic steel rib arch bridge, with its “salt and pepper” towers, is a vital link between Boston and Cambridge and is one of the busiest bridges in the Commonwealth.

The project addresses the bridge’s current structural deficiencies including stripping and cleaning rust from the historic steel arch ribs then galvanizing and repainting, and hot dip galvanizing the diaphragms, beams, columns, and other steel components. The repairs and modifications will be consistent with the historic character of the bridge and comply with environmental standards.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing and Duncan’s Colorgalv system where required was specified as the corrosion control mechanism and aesthetic enhancement to provide the longest lasting steel protection for this iconic structure.