Virtual Globetrotting: Bridges - Drawbridge and Rotating

Virtual Globetrotting: Bridges - Drawbridge and Rotating http://virtualglobetrotting.com/ A great way to explore everything that can be seen from space! en-us Copyright 2008 admin@virtualglobetrotting.com admin@virtualglobetrotting.com Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:16 -0500 http://backend.userland.com/rss <![CDATA[Bridge opening]]>

LL-BEV

Bridge opening
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: adrbr
@ 2008-03-22 11:00:16
Tierra Verde Bridge, drawbridge constructed in 1962.]]>

LL-BEV

Bridge opening
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: adrbr
@ 2008-03-22 11:00:16
Tierra Verde Bridge, drawbridge constructed in 1962.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/47890/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/47890/ Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:16 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/47890/ 27.69332500 -82.71785400 <![CDATA[Illinois River System Draw Bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Illinois River System Draw Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Effi
@ 2008-02-27 09:30:31]]>

LL-BEV

Illinois River System Draw Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Effi
@ 2008-02-27 09:30:31]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/46540/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/46540/ Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:30:31 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/46540/ 41.72006200 -87.54275100 <![CDATA[Mystic River Bascule Bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Mystic River Bascule Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: mikeb9991
@ 2007-08-17 08:45:19]]>

LL-BEV

Mystic River Bascule Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: mikeb9991
@ 2007-08-17 08:45:19]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/36983/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/36983/ Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:45:19 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/36983/ 41.35481300 -71.96890700 <![CDATA[Drawbridge open]]>

GM-SV

Drawbridge open
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: maveriick
@ 2007-08-10 14:52:44
Drawbridge in Miami Open]]>

GM-SV

Drawbridge open
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: maveriick
@ 2007-08-10 14:52:44
Drawbridge in Miami Open]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/36479/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/36479/ Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:52:44 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/36479/ 25.78088000 -80.20532400 <![CDATA[Abandoned West Third Street Lift Bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Abandoned West Third Street Lift Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-07-20 15:41:08]]>

LL-BEV

Abandoned West Third Street Lift Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-07-20 15:41:08]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35627/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35627/ Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:41:08 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35627/ 41.48823900 -81.68563600 <![CDATA[Abandoned Eagle Street Lift Bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Abandoned Eagle Street Lift Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-07-20 15:33:49]]>

LL-BEV

Abandoned Eagle Street Lift Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-07-20 15:33:49]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35626/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35626/ Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:33:49 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35626/ 41.49345300 -81.69233900 <![CDATA[B&OCT Bascule Bridge]]>

LL-BEV

B&OCT Bascule Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: milwhcky
@ 2007-07-16 20:02:22
Built in 1930.

"The B&OCT bridge, like the terminal and the tracks, has been abandoned. However, it was not dismantled and remains permanently locked in an "open" position. Because they are bascule bridges, both the B&OCT and the Air Line bridges each have a counterweight of their own, and in this case, they share a common third counterweight between them. This design allowed them to operate in unison, with an operator from the B&OCT in charge of operating both bridges. This has led to a curious historical oddity, as the CSX, successor railroad to the B&O, owns a useless bridge that it cannot abandon, because the bridge is needed to continue operating a second bridge it does not own. An uncertain but inevitable future awaits the old B&OCT bridge, as the trackage it once served will likely never be rebuilt."]]>

LL-BEV

LL-BEV

Crescent Rail Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kaiken
@ 2007-07-16 10:03:37]]>

LL-BEV

Crescent Rail Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kaiken
@ 2007-07-16 10:03:37]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35437/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35437/ Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:03:37 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/35437/ 41.51034800 -90.59337900 <![CDATA[Grand Avenue Bridge]]>

Grand Avenue Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-28 10:18:37]]>

Grand Avenue Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-28 10:18:37]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34743/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34743/ Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:18:37 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34743/ 30.28042100 -81.70548100 <![CDATA[Unusual diagonal drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

Unusual diagonal drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-13 11:19:01
The lifting arm is diagonal to the roadbed.]]>

LL-BEV

Unusual diagonal drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-13 11:19:01
The lifting arm is diagonal to the roadbed.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34397/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34397/ Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:19:01 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34397/ 53.19851300 5.76557100 <![CDATA[Raised drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

Raised drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-05 15:14:43]]>

LL-BEV

Raised drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-05 15:14:43]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34155/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34155/ Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:14:43 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34155/ 52.63565500 4.74733900 <![CDATA[Barge passing under a raised drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

Barge passing under a raised drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-04 11:18:07]]>

LL-BEV

Barge passing under a raised drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-06-04 11:18:07]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34109/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34109/ Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:18:07 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/34109/ 51.22174500 3.23353900 <![CDATA[Raised drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

Raised drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: milwhcky
@ 2007-05-26 15:30:19
15th Avenue bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Raised drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: milwhcky
@ 2007-05-26 15:30:19
15th Avenue bridge]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/33717/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/33717/ Sat, 26 May 2007 15:30:19 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/33717/ 47.66003600 -122.37608200 <![CDATA[Pont de Langlois (Van Gogh Bridge)]]>

LL-BEV

Pont de Langlois (Van Gogh Bridge)
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kaiken
@ 2007-05-26 10:15:47
Painted in 1888 by Vincent Van Gogh. ]]>

LL-BEV

Pont de Langlois (Van Gogh Bridge)
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kaiken
@ 2007-05-26 10:15:47
Painted in 1888 by Vincent Van Gogh. ]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/33706/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/33706/ Sat, 26 May 2007 10:15:47 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/33706/ 43.65694200 4.62111500 <![CDATA[EPCOT - Pedestrian drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

EPCOT - Pedestrian drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-05-02 13:24:47
Raises to allow positioning of the fireworks barges for Illuminations each evening.]]>

LL-BEV

EPCOT - Pedestrian drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-05-02 13:24:47
Raises to allow positioning of the fireworks barges for Illuminations each evening.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/32308/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/32308/ Wed, 02 May 2007 13:24:47 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/32308/ 28.36950700 -81.54669800 <![CDATA[Cool swing bridge]]>

Cool swing bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-04-16 17:46:12]]>

Cool swing bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-04-16 17:46:12]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31866/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31866/ Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:46:12 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31866/ 35.56185400 139.75406500 <![CDATA[Koninginnebrug (Queens Bridge)]]>

LL-BEV

Koninginnebrug (Queens Bridge)
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-04-09 11:30:31]]>

LL-BEV

Koninginnebrug (Queens Bridge)
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-04-09 11:30:31]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31541/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31541/ Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:30:31 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31541/ 51.91356100 4.49887000 <![CDATA[Drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

Drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: daggerwell
@ 2007-04-05 09:24:15]]>

LL-BEV

Drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: daggerwell
@ 2007-04-05 09:24:15]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31358/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31358/ Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:24:15 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31358/ 51.91664000 4.44406300 <![CDATA[Swing Bridge under repair]]>

Swing Bridge under repair
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-03-31 12:30:58]]>

Swing Bridge under repair
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-03-31 12:30:58]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31163/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31163/ Sat, 31 Mar 2007 12:30:58 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/31163/ -33.86821400 151.18567600 <![CDATA[East-Link]]>

East-Link
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: boothy443
@ 2007-03-20 18:53:06
The easternmost bridge crossing the River Liffey]]>

East-Link
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: boothy443
@ 2007-03-20 18:53:06
The easternmost bridge crossing the River Liffey]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/30744/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/30744/ Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:53:06 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/30744/ 53.34587000 -6.22768200 <![CDATA[Kronprins Frederik bridge]]>

Kronprins Frederik bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Hinkkanen
@ 2007-03-04 12:15:22
A bascule bridge built in 1935 over the Roskilde Fjord in Frederikssund, Denmark.]]>

Kronprins Frederik bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Hinkkanen
@ 2007-03-04 12:15:22
A bascule bridge built in 1935 over the Roskilde Fjord in Frederikssund, Denmark.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/29906/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/29906/ Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:15:22 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/29906/ 55.84359100 12.04110100 <![CDATA[Drawbridge in Porto Alegre]]>

Drawbridge in Porto Alegre
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: lizandrof
@ 2007-01-01 08:40:57
Drawbridge in Porto Alegre]]>

Drawbridge in Porto Alegre
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: lizandrof
@ 2007-01-01 08:40:57
Drawbridge in Porto Alegre]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/27891/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/27891/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 08:40:57 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/27891/ -29.99742100 -51.20896400 <![CDATA[Swing bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Swing bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: gamma
@ 2006-12-31 12:11:45]]>

LL-BEV

Swing bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: gamma
@ 2006-12-31 12:11:45]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/27858/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/27858/ Sun, 31 Dec 2006 12:11:45 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/27858/ 40.72309700 -74.12130800 <![CDATA[South Quay Footbridge]]>

South Quay Footbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-10-16 21:57:00
The South Quay footbridge is extremely useful for people working on the South Quay, Harbour Exchange for instance, to enable them to quickly get to Canary Wharf.

The bridge is unique in its design and and has even been filmed for an advertisement on TV, but on the 11th April the bridge is to closed for 3 years... Although local companies have been protesting that the bridge will effect business, the bridge needs to be closed for safety reasons. As the "Canary Wharf Group" needs to close it to develop its 2 million square feet, Heron Quay complex. The construction work is estimated to be £350,000.]]>

LL-BEV

Lifting drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-26 00:43:56]]>

LL-BEV

Lifting drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-26 00:43:56]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/22051/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/22051/ Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:43:56 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/22051/ 51.50070200 -0.00918000 <![CDATA[Old Sacramento Tower Bridge]]>

Old Sacramento Tower Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-16 17:52:35]]>

Old Sacramento Tower Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-16 17:52:35]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/21791/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/21791/ Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:52:35 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/21791/ 38.58052200 -121.50810200 <![CDATA[Falkirk Wheel, The]]>

Falkirk Wheel, The
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: k9ine
@ 2006-07-12 05:56:57
A rotating boat lift connecting the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, which at this point differ by 24 metres.]]>

Falkirk Wheel, The
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: k9ine
@ 2006-07-12 05:56:57
A rotating boat lift connecting the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, which at this point differ by 24 metres.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/21609/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/21609/ Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:56:57 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/21609/ 56.00040000 -3.84150000 <![CDATA[Open Drawbridge]]>

LL-BEV

Open Drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Pdunn
@ 2006-06-20 10:27:41
This is the University Bridge over Seattle's Lake Union.]]>

LL-BEV

Open Drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Pdunn
@ 2006-06-20 10:27:41
This is the University Bridge over Seattle's Lake Union.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/20520/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/20520/ Tue, 20 Jun 2006 10:27:41 -0500 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/20520/ 47.65264100 -122.32051300 <![CDATA[Cars waiting at an open swing bridge]]>

Cars waiting at an open swing bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-03-09 23:42:45]]>

Cars waiting at an open swing bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-03-09 23:42:45]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/15370/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/15370/ Thu, 09 Mar 2006 23:42:45 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/15370/ 51.84599900 -2.26402300 <![CDATA[Reedham Swing Bridge]]>

Reedham Swing Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Hinkkanen
@ 2006-02-19 14:07:08
Railroad bridge over the river Yare at the village of Reedham built in 1905.]]>

Reedham Swing Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: Hinkkanen
@ 2006-02-19 14:07:08
Railroad bridge over the river Yare at the village of Reedham built in 1905.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/14670/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/14670/ Sun, 19 Feb 2006 14:07:08 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/14670/ 52.55892200 1.57215000 <![CDATA[Park Street Bridge]]>

LL-BEV

Park Street Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-01-25 11:20:37
The Park Street Bridge is a four lane double leaf bascule bridge spanning 372 feet of the Oakland Estuary, similar to the bridge at High Street.

The present bridge was designed by the County of Alameda Surveyors Office and constructed under the Federal WPA Program. it was opened in 1935 with a Grand Opening celebration that included a public wedding of a man from Oakland and woman from Alameda to symbolize the unity of the two cities with the building of the bridge.

The Park Street Bridge is the main thoroughfare into downtown Alameda and averages almost 40,000 vehicles a day. Park Street is a double leaf bascule bridge in which each leaf can be operated independently. The bridge employees a steel superstructure that utilizes steel channels with cross lacing and rivets.

Each leaf of the Park Street Bridge has its own machinery room with 75 HP, 3 phase, 480 volt electric main drive motors and an auxiliary drive system which includes multiple gear reductions similar in design to a manual automobile transmission, only many times larger without housing.

Power to the bridge is supplied by the Bureau of Electricity (City of Alameda), backup power is supplied by PG&E. A 75 hp main motor and a 5 hp backup motor provide the muscle to raise the bridge. Park Street is stopped by two service brakes and two hydraulic brakes. The service brakes are used to stop the bridge in normal operating conditions. The hydraulic brakes are used for emergency stopping power.

Park Street is the only bridge operated by the County that has two complete operator towers. The Alameda Tower is the main operational tower and can operate both leafs under normal or emergency power. The Oakland Tower can only operate the Oakland leaf under normal or emergency drive. The dual tower system has been put to good use during the current renovation of the Park Street Bridge. The bridge had an electrical update in the 1960's which was an improvement over the early 1930's technology.

Each leaf of the bridge can open to a 78 degree position, this is considered a full opening. A normal opening is 70 degrees and can accommodate 95% of vessel traffic. With a full opening the bridge can accommodate almost any vessel. The main limiting factor would be vessel width and the depth of the channel. Each leaf of the bridge is 120 feet in length. Massive counterweights which are out of view helps balance the bridge leafs when opening.]]>

LL-BEV

Fruitvale Avenue Railroad Bridge and Miller - Sweeney Bridge

LL-BEV

Fruitvale Avenue Railroad Bridge and Miller - Sweeney Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-01-25 11:17:26
The Miller-Sweeney Bridge at Fruitvale Avenue (auto bridge to the right) is a four lane single leaf bascule bridge, similar to the Bay Farm Island Bridge, which spans the Oakland Estuary for 98 feet.

The Fruitvale Avenue Railroad Bridge (to the left of the Miller Sweeny bridge) is a vertical lift bridge for trains spanning the Oakland Estuary.

Miller-Sweeney is a single leaf bascule bridge and was built by the Army Corp of Engineers. Miller-Sweeney is Alameda's fastest bridge, after securing the bridge for an opening it takes 66 seconds to raise the bridge to a height of 79 degrees, a full opening. Power is supplied by two 75 hp electric motors. These motors operate in tandem for a normal opening. However, each motor can operate the bridge on its own if necessary. The backup emergency motor is a 5 HP motor. Using the emergency drive it takes almost 20 minutes to raise the bridge to a full height.

The Fruitvale Avenue Railroad Bridge was completed in 1951 by the United States Army Corp of Engineers.

The bridge is powered by four 19 hp motors. There are two motors in each tower. One is the main operational motor, the other is the backup motor. Each motor runs at 700 rpm.

The Railroad Bridge is the only bridge in the County that uses a Direct Current (DC) motor control system. The other bridges are all Alternating Current (AC) designs. With the DC drive system, power to the bridge can be variably applied, which gives the operator more control over the bridge. One of the drawbacks of the DC system at Fruitvale Avenue is its more complex than the other AC Designs.

Fruitvale Avenue has a unique power supply arrangement. Each tower of the bridge draws normal operating power from their side of the bridge. The South Tower draws power from the Bureau of Electricity (City of Alameda). The North Tower draws power from PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric). Both power supplies have to be present in order for the bridge to operate under normal power. This requires a complex synchronization system in order to keep the bridge traveling properly. Without the synchronization the bridge will go out of alignment and possibly jam. The operator must carefully watch the gauges to ensure the bridge is moving correctly.

The power supply is interconnected so if one side loses power you can switch operating power from one side to the other. When using only one power supply the bridge runs on the emergency drive system under reduced speeds.

The bridge is stopped by 8 brakes. There are 4 motor brakes with 400 lb./ft torque. The motor brakes are the main stopping brakes when the bridge is being raised or lowered. The other 4 brakes are called the machinery brakes. Once the bridge is stopped these brakes are set manually by the bridge tender. The machinery brakes have a stopping force of 1200lb/ft torque. The machinery brakes can stop the bridge in place for long periods of time.

During the Loma Prieta Earthquake in October 1989 the bridges main supporting bolts and gusset plates at the foundation were visibly stretched. Repairs to the mounting bolts and gusset plates were performed.]]>

LL-BEV

High Street drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-01-25 11:06:46
The High Street Bridge is a two lane double leaf bascule bridge, similar to the bridge at Park Street, which spans the Oakland Estuary for 296 feet. The Oakland Estuary is a navigable water way with access to the San Francisco Bay.

The original iron swing bridge was completed in 1894 by the Harrison Bridge Company for $24,747. This bridge, and the Park Street and Fruitvale Avenue bridges, were built by the U.S. Government in exchange for permission and rights-of-way to dredge the channel between San Antonio Creek and San Leandro Bay. In May 1901 a fire destroyed the swing span and part of the approaches, which were rebuilt the following year. The present bridge was designed by the County of Alameda Surveyors Office and constructed under the Federal WPA Program in 1939 at a cost of $750,000.

The High Street Bridge is a double leaf bascule bridge. Under normal operating conditions both leafs are used. Each leaf of the bridge can be operated independently. This gives the operator flexibility and helps keep the channel open for vessels in case one leaf is down for repairs.

The Bridge has two machinery rooms one for each leaf. Each leaf is powered by a 75 hp main motor and 5 hp backup motor. Each leaf is stopped by a service brake and emergency braking is supplied by a hydraulic brake system. Thousands of pounds of steel are lifted by 5 HP, then almost perfect counterbalancing. A huge counterweight supplies the balancing needed for the 100 plus foot long section of bridge. The Counterweight Pit is 40 feet below the roadway and when you stand on the pit floor it is only concrete that separates you from the water.

Each leaf of the bridge can open to a 76 degree position, this is considered a full opening. A normal opening is 45 degrees and can accommodate 95% of vessel traffic. With a full opening the bridge can accommodate almost any vessel. The main limiting factor would be vessel width and the depth of the channel. The bridge can operate safely under wind conditions reaching 30 mph. Over 30 mph wind conditions caution must be used when operating the bridge.]]>

Bay Farm Island Bridge and pedestrian drawbridge

Bay Farm Island Bridge and pedestrian drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2006-01-25 11:00:32
The Bay Farm Island Bridge is a 125 foot single leaf bascule bridge. It spans the San Leandro Bay inlet to the Oakland Estuary at Otis Drive, and is similar to the Fruitvale Avenue Bridge. The Oakland Estuary is a navigable water way with access to the San Francisco Bay.

A bascule bridge is a a draw bridge that is counterweighted so that it may be raised or lowered easily. The bridge, owned by the State, was built by contractors Duncason-Harleson Company and Stolte Inc in 1952.

Bay Farm Island Bridge is the longest draw bridge in the County. It is almost 1000 feet in length, however the movable span portion of the bridge is approximately 125 feet in length, giving a channel clearance of just 92 feet 4 inches.

Over 40,000 vehicles cross Bay Farm Island Bridge every day. To stop all these vehicles and pedestrians requires the use of 4 traffic gates, one vehicle barrier, and 2 pedestrian gates. The bridge operator also must stay in contact with the City of Alameda Fire and Police Dispatcher in case any vehicle is in route to an emergency or hospital. The bridge will not open in this instance.

The bridge has some unique characteristics. Instead of having the machinery room and operator tower close to or on the shore like the other bridges its has a huge concrete cofferdam in the channel that contains the machinery rooms, counterweight, and operator tower. The Counterweight Pit Area is 50 feet below the roadway surface. If you are standing on the pit floor you’re approximately 25 feet under water.

The bridge has three live load trunion pedestals instead of the two normally on a bascule type bridge. It also has dual machinery rooms that work in tandem. The bridge is powered by two 50 HP electric motors. The bridge operates with four sets of brakes, two machinery brakes and two motor brakes.

Adjacent to the Bay Farm Island Bridge is a bicycle/pedestrian drawbridge operated by Alameda County. Its 10.75 foot roadway carries bicycles, pedestrians and vehicles for the handicapped. Bay Farm Island Bridge also contains the operating console for the Bicycle Bridge so the operator must control two bridges for each vessel opening. ]]>

Mathers Swing Bridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: LanternBearer
@ 2006-01-24 20:10:57
This bridge is among the last of the center pivot bridges in Florida's Brevard County. It crosses from Merrit Island to Indian Harbor Beach just above the confluence of the Banana River and the Indian River Intercostal Waterway.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/13596/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/13596/ Tue, 24 Jan 2006 20:10:57 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/13596/ 28.14926700 -80.60604600 <![CDATA[Camino Real Drawbridge]]>

Camino Real Drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: AKpilotEMT
@ 2005-12-12 12:38:08
Over the Intracoastal Waterway.]]>

Camino Real Drawbridge
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: AKpilotEMT
@ 2005-12-12 12:38:08
Over the Intracoastal Waterway.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/12789/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/12789/ Mon, 12 Dec 2005 12:38:08 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/12789/ 26.33939300 -80.07710300 <![CDATA[Railroad drawbridge in up position]]>

Railroad drawbridge in up position
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2005-12-05 18:13:02]]>

Railroad drawbridge in up position
[Info] [GM] [LL] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2005-12-05 18:13:02]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/12595/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/12595/ Mon, 05 Dec 2005 18:13:02 -0600 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/12595/ 41.47918100 -81.67468100 <![CDATA[Swing bridge]]>

Swing bridge
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