Ashtabula lift bridge

The Ashtabula lift bridge features a single leaf bascule design with overhead counterweights attached to a balance truss system spanning 160 feet across the river.

The current bridge, constructed in 1925 by Wendell P. Brown for $179,000, replaced an 1889 swing bridge that succeeded the original 1850 pontoon structure.

The bridge earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 for its engineering design and role in connecting harbor communities.

During navigation season, the bridge opens on the hour and half-hour, with safety gates and horn signals controlling pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

This structure remains the only bascule bridge in Ohio that continues to serve vehicle traffic while maintaining its original mechanical lifting system.

Location: Ohio

GPS coordinates: 41.90028,-80.79806

Latest update: November 28, 2025 14:29