Tower Bridge, Vertical-lift bridge in Sacramento, United States
Tower Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge crossing the Sacramento River in the city of Sacramento in California. The two towers rise approximately 160 feet high and support a movable center span of around 209 feet, painted in a yellow-ochre shade.
Construction began in 1934 to replace an aging swing bridge that could no longer handle growing traffic volumes. The official opening took place on December 15, 1935, marking a turning point in the region's transportation development.
The name refers to the two tall towers that lift the central span when river vessels need to pass through. Today visitors often see the yellow structure illuminated at night, when it becomes a landmark for the city and appears on many postcards.
The bridge links West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento with Capitol Mall in Sacramento through four traffic lanes. Pedestrians can walk along both sides and view the river and surrounding neighborhoods along the way.
During the opening ceremony in 1935, 1000 homing pigeons were released to spread news about the new crossing throughout California. The birds flew to different cities carrying small messages about this moment with them.
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