New Youngs Bay Bridge, Vertical-lift road bridge in Astoria, United States
The New Youngs Bay Bridge is a road bridge with a vertical-lift system that crosses Youngs Bay to connect Astoria and Warrenton. The lift mechanism raises the middle section to let tall ships pass underneath when needed.
Construction started in 1963 after state approval and finished with the opening in 1964. It took over the role of a nearby railroad line that had served the area for many decades.
The bridge marks a shift from rail to road as the main way people and goods move through the region. You can still see how this change shaped the communities on both sides of the bay.
The bridge carries traffic on U.S. Route 101, so expect regular vehicle flow and occasional delays when ships need to pass. The best time to visit with good weather is from late spring through early fall.
A railroad line once occupied the same route before the road bridge was built, serving the area since the early 1900s. The old tracks remained visible alongside the new bridge for many years before being removed.
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