Berkley Bridge, Double-leaf bascule bridge in Norfolk, United States
Berkley Bridge is a double-leaf bascule bridge that crosses the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River with eight traffic lanes and a pedestrian path on the eastern section. The structure features two large counterweighted sections that swing upward independently to allow tall vessels to pass underneath.
The current structure was completed in 1952 as part of the Norfolk-Portsmouth Bridge-Tunnel project, replacing an earlier bridge from 1922. The replacement was built to accommodate growing traffic needs in the region and improved naval access to the harbor.
The bridge serves as a daily crossing for Norfolk residents and visitors while allowing cargo ships and naval vessels to pass through its movable sections. For people living in the area, it is a vital connection between neighborhoods and a reminder of the city's strong maritime identity.
The bridge opens for maritime traffic at scheduled times, which may cause traffic delays for drivers during those periods. Plan your crossing to avoid peak hours when vessel passages are most likely to occur.
Each of the four leaves weighs 640 tons and is engineered to move independently with impressive precision. When fully raised, the structure creates a clearance that allows even naval vessels with substantial height requirements to pass through.
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