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.

Each of the two leaves has a 75-horsepower main motor fed by Alameda Municipal Power, plus a 5-horsepower emergency motor on Pacific Gas and Electric; counterweights let the span open fully on emergency power alone. The leaves can also work independently, so vessels can still pass if one side fails.