Aerial Lift Bridge

The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, Minnesota captivates thousands of visitors yearly. The structure is an amazing feet of engineering; and... more

by Phyllis Taylor

Title

Aerial Lift Bridge

Artist

Phyllis Taylor

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, Minnesota captivates thousands of visitors yearly. The structure is an amazing feet of engineering; and mesmerizing to watch in operation.

The Aerial Lift Bridge (earlier known as the Aerial Bridge or Aerial Ferry Bridge) is a landmark in the port city of Duluth, Minnesota. The span began life in 1905 as the United States' first transporter bridge. (Only one other was ever constructed in the country, Sky Ride in Chicago). In 1929–30, the span was converted to a vertical lift bridge (also rather uncommon, although there are six such bridges along Ontario's Welland Canal), and continues to operate today. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1973.

The bridge can be raised to its full height of 135 feet in about a minute, and is raised about 5,000 times per year. The span is about 390 feet (120 meters). As ships pass, there is a customary horn-blowing sequence that is copied back. The bridge's "horn" is actually made up of two Westinghouse Airbrake locomotive horns. Long-short-long-short means to raise the bridge, and Long-short-short is a friendly salute.

Uploaded

September 10th, 2019