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Types of Bascule Bridges

Unlike stationary bridges, bascule bridges move to allow traffic---usually boats---to pass below them. The term "bascule" comes from the French word for "seesaw," describing how the bridge swings upward from its resting position.
  1. Single Bascule

    • The single bascule bridge has one pivot point and is also known as a trunnion-type bascule bridge. The entire span moves upward from this one pivot. The 7th Street Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan, is a single bascule bridge.

    Double Bascule

    • The double bascule bridge has a pivot point on each side and splits in the middle. Both halves lift upward at the same time. An example of this type is the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge in Lorain County, Ohio.

    Rolling Bascule

    • The end of the rolling bascule bridge "rolls" back like a rocking chair, instead of pivoting like other bascule bridges. The Jefferson Street Bridge in Joliet, Illinois, is an example of a rolling bascule bridge.