Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Bridge

The Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge crossing the Cerritos Channel in the Port of Los Angeles. The structure features steel towers and a movable deck that can rise to allow large cargo vessels to pass beneath it.

Construction began in 1946 and the bridge opened in 1948 to serve as a critical transportation link for the expanding port. It was built to support the growing maritime commerce that developed after World War II.

The bridge carries the name of Commodore Schuyler F. Heim, a military leader connected to the port's wartime operations. The name reflects the deep ties between the harbor's development and regional naval history.

The bridge carries vehicle traffic and crosses an active shipping channel where large vessels frequently pass. The best views of the lift mechanism are available from nearby waterfront areas, and visitors should allow time for occasional delays caused by ship passages.

The deck uses an open grid design that reduces weight, allowing the lift mechanism to raise the structure many times each day without excessive strain. This clever engineering choice was key to making the frequent vessel passages practical and reliable.