ASB Bridge, Vertical-lift railway bridge in Kansas City, Missouri.
The ASB Bridge is a vertical-lift railway bridge crossing the Missouri River with two distinct levels. The lower level carries rail traffic while the upper level, originally built for automobiles, is no longer in use today.
Construction began in 1909 based on designs by Waddell & Harrington, with the bridge opening to traffic in 1911. It represented an engineering achievement of its era and symbolized the growing importance of rail transport in Kansas City.
The American Society of Civil Engineers designated the ASB Bridge as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1996.
Regular rail traffic operates throughout the day, with trains passing on the lower level several times daily. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best viewing times when train movements are most visible.
The bridge features a rare retractable mechanism that draws the lower railway deck into the upper deck to allow river vessels to pass through. This engineering solution demonstrates the innovative thinking needed to accommodate both ship and rail traffic in the same location.
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