What public pressure can get done

What an amazing turnaround! On Friday the brigde was going to be closed indefinately. By Saturday the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority agreed to make temporary repairs to keep the bridge open.

Story in Saturday's Globe
Crumbling Echo Bridge gets quick fix - The Boston Globe
Bowing to public pressure, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority will reopen Echo Bridge in Newton Monday with temporary railings to prevent people from falling off the 60-foot-high structure. The temporary 4-foot high wooden snow fence will remain there until up to $1 million can be raised for permanent railings. The state agency, which owns the 129-year-old arched stone bridge, had planned to close the walkway due to safety concerns over the cast-iron handrails, which are cracked, rusted, or missing. While it will be closed over the weekend, the pedestrian bridge will reopen next week.

The authority decided to keep the bridge open because of pressure from preservationists and state Representative Ruth B. Balser, a Newton Democrat.

Story from Friday's Globe
Landmark becomes bridge to nowhere
The landmark retains its trademark echo. But the 129-year-old arched stone bridge is no longer a scenic link between Newton and Needham over the Charles River. Echo Bridge is scheduled to be closed today, indefinitely, due to safety reasons.