VirtualGlobetrotting

Focus Friday – Vertical-Lift Bridges

A vertical-lift bridge or lift bridge is a type of movable bridge in which a span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck. The vertical lift offers several benefits over other movable bridges such as the bascule and swing-span bridge. Generally speaking they cost less to build for longer moveable spans. The counterweights in a vertical lift are only required to be equal to the weight of the deck, whereas bascule bridge counterweights must weigh several times as much as the span being lifted. As a result, heavier materials can be used in the deck, and so this type of bridge is especially suited for heavy railroad use.

Boeuf Bayou Vertical Lift Bridge

Highway 58 Vertical Lift Bridge
Newark lift bridge
Abandoned West Third Street Lift Bridge

Abandoned Eagle Street Lift Bridge

Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Lift Bridge
Fruitvale Avenue Railroad Bridge
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, Bridge No. 6