Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge Panels & Plaques

BETA worked with MassDOT, Environmental Services Section, to prepare eight informational panels and a commemorative plaque for the new Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 9 over Lake Quinsigamond between Shrewsbury and Worcester. This project was supported in part with federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration.

The shapes of the panels and the plaque suggest the shape of a rowing scull, in recognition of Lake Quinsigamond’s tradition of competitive regattas. Each color panel is printed on high-pressure laminate and measures 18’ long by 2’ wide at the center, tapering to points at either end. The panels are installed at each of the scenic overlooks along the sides of the bridge deck. The topics were chosen in consultation with the Shrewsbury and Worcester historical commissions.

The commemorative plaques (4) honors the bridge’s namesake, Kenneth F. Burns (1905-1982), who was a champion oarsman on Lake Quinsigamond, the founding coach of the Shrewsbury High School boys rowing crew, and Chief of Police in Shrewsbury for 23 years.