Bay Farm Island Bridge

The Bay Farm Island Bridge connects across the San Leandro Channel and is a motor vehicle bridge with a drawbridge mechanism in Alameda. The structure spans 963 feet (294 meters) and has a roadway width of 26 feet (8 meters).

A wooden trestle bridge was first built at this location in 1854 to cross the channel. The current steel structure was completed in 1953, replacing several earlier versions of the crossing.

The structure serves as a gathering point where people watch vessels navigate through the drawbridge mechanism. The daily water traffic creates a focal point for residents who enjoy observing maritime activity.

The bridge regularly opens to allow sailboats and vessels to pass underneath, so drivers should plan travel times accordingly. Crossing is best timed outside scheduled opening periods to avoid waiting.

A separate bicycle and pedestrian bridge was built in 1995 alongside the main structure and operates independently. This path allows cyclists and walkers to cross without being affected by vehicle traffic or drawbridge openings.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.74892,-122.23638

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01