New Bedford’s New Pedestrian Bridge Will Be Named for Korean War Hero
NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The new pedestrian bridge currently under construction over Route 18 in New Bedford will be named for a Korean War veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to whom the current bridge is already dedicated.
In an announcement today, the local delegation said the new bridge would be dedicated in memory of Andre Lopes, who served during the Korean War and died as a result of injuries sustained on May 22, 1956.
The naming of the new bridge has cleared both the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, and now awaits the signature of Governor Maura Healey.
The current pedestrian bridge, which is scheduled to be demolished, was dedicated to Lopes in 1977. The local delegation said in a release the legislation to name the new bridge the “Andre Lopes Korean War Veteran Overpass” was designed to “preserve the local veteran’s legacy and sacrifice to his country.”
The release pointed out that the bridge is in close proximity to the Veterans Transition House and that the passage of the legislation coincides with Veterans Day on Monday, November 11.
Lopes, who was a corporal in the infantry, died just six days after his 30th birthday.
The $21 million bridge connecting Purchase Street to the Whale’s Tooth parking lot will be 240 long and have a 15-foot-wide deck, and its 50-foot-high arch has already become part of the visual aesthetic of the city.
The release pointed out that the bridge is designed to last 75 years and will feature artwork on the elevator shaft called “Equinox,” created by local artist Tracy Silva Barbosa.
South Coast Rail is scheduled to begin passenger service in May 2025.
READ MORE: New Bedford's New Pedestrian Bridge Taking Shape
What the Delegation Had to Say About Andre Lopes and the Bridge Dedication
“Andre Lopes served his country with distinction, as did several of his family members,” Sen. Mark Montigny said. “It is imperative that we continue to honor their sacrifice by ensuring this new bridge is dedicated in Andre’s name. The stunning visual that this bridge provides in the heart of our city will stand as a long-lasting memorial to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and I thank my legislative colleagues for their partnership in getting this done.”
“Honoring Andre Lopes with the dedication of the new pedestrian bridge rightfully pays tribute to his service and sacrifice. I thank my colleagues in the delegation for their collaboration towards our shared commitment to keeping the legacy of our veterans alive in our community,” Representative Antonio Cabral said.
“I am glad that the new pedestrian bridge will continue to honor Mr. Andre Lopes - a true patriot who honorably served his country,” Representative Chris Hendricks said. “It is extremely important that we continue to recognize his service by dedicating this new bridge in his name. I am grateful to all my legislative colleagues, particularly Senator Montigny and Representative Cabral, for their unwavering partnership in making this a reality.”
“Andre Lopes nobly gave his full devotion to our country, and it is only fitting that we endeavor to remember and honor his sacrifice,” Representative Chris Markey said. “As we go about our day to day lives, let this memorial remind us of whose shoulders we stand on. The selfless actions of Andre Lopes and his brothers and sisters in arms cannot be forgotten.”
“I am grateful to Senator Montigny and my fellow Representatives in the New Bedford delegation for ensuring that Andres Lopez will not be forgotten,” Representative Paul Schmid said. “It’s the least we can do to honor his sacrifice to our country, and it is fitting that his name will continue to be seen and remembered by countless residents on a wonderful new bridge. I am thankful that even amidst such an important infrastructure project, we have not forgotten one of our finest.”
“As Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation and as one of the legislators representing New Bedford, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill; I was glad to be in a position to move the bill through my committee quickly,” Representative William Straus said. “Continuing to honor Korean War veteran Andre Lopes with the naming of the new MBTA pedestrian overpass in his honor reflects his sacrifice to our country and the citizens of New Bedford.”
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Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg