Charles River Dam

The Charles River Dam in Boston is a modern flood-control dam that went into operation in 1978. It sits downstream of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge and replaced an older structure from 1912. The facility has three locks that pedestrians and cyclists can cross, as they are part of the Boston Harborwalk. One especially wide lock allows larger vessels to pass through, while a fish ladder helps with fish migration. Its main purpose is to regulate the water level in the river and protect against the intrusion of salt water. Along the railing, you can also experience the interactive art installation Charlestown Bells, a set of multicolored chimes that passersby can activate.