High Street Bridge, Double-leaf bascule drawbridge in Oakland Estuary, US
The High Street Bridge is a double-leaf drawbridge that spans across the Oakland Estuary, connecting Oakland and Alameda through a mechanical lifting system. Each of its two leaves can swing upward independently to allow vessel passage beneath.
A bridge first opened at this location in 1894 to connect the two cities across the water. The current structure dates to 1939, when it replaced the original as part of a major infrastructure development program.
This crossing links two neighboring communities and serves as a key part of how people move between them. For residents, it represents an everyday connection that shapes their routines across the estuary.
Crossing is available on foot and by vehicle, though traffic pauses when the bridge lifts for passing vessels. You can watch the mechanical operation from nearby viewing areas when ships approach the structure.
The clearance height beneath the bridge changes with the tides, offering different passage depths depending on when vessels approach. This makes it a fascinating example of how natural water movement and engineered structures interact.
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