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How often does the Ballard Bridge open?

3 min read

Asked by: Ashley Gibson

The bridge sits just 30 feet above the water, and rises for marine traffic on average of about 35 times a day, making it as one of the busiest bascule bridgesbascule bridgesA bascule bridge (also referred to as a drawbridge or a lifting bridge) is a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or leaf, throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic. It may be single- or double-leafed. This animation shows the movement of a double-leaf bascule.

How often does the Montlake bridge open?

Bridges open on request between 7 AM and 11 PM. From 11 PM to 7 AM, bridges open by appointment only. The average bridge opening, from the time street traffic stops to the time it resumes, lasts about 4 minutes.

How many drawbridges are in Seattle?

Waterways are the lifeblood of Seattle. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) operates and maintains over 149 bridges throughout the city, including four movable bridges. Three of these are drawbridges, known as bascule bridges: Ballard Bridge, Fremont Bridge, and University Bridge.

How long does a drawbridge take?

It takes about three and a half minutes for the bridge span to lift entirely. It takes another five minutes to close it.

How long is Ballard Bridge?

Built in 1917 with a length of 2,854 feet, the Ballard Bridge links the Magnolia and Queen Anne neighborhoods with Ballard. The Fremont Bridge crosses the Lake Washington Ship Canal and connects the Fremont and Queen Anne neighborhoods.

What time is Seattle rush hour?

It usually feels like the worst traffic spot in Seattle is the one you’re stuck in, but during peak traffic hours (6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.), SDOT says these locations officially rack up some of the most stop-and-go traffic—sometimes minus the go.

What is the highest bridge in Washington state?

High Steel Bridge

High Steel Bridge
Just three miles north of Vance Creek. At a height of 420′ is High Steel Bridge, the highest bridge in the state. It spans the South Fork Skokomish River.

What do you call bridges that open up?

A bascule bridge (also referred to as a drawbridge or a lifting bridge) is a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or leaf, throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic.

How do drawbridges know when to open?

Sound Signals
The bridge tender will reply with the same sound signal to acknowledge that the bridge can be opened immediately. When approaching an open drawbridge, use the same opening signal, and if no acknowledgment is received within 30 seconds, then you may proceed.

Why do drawbridges open?

According to United States Coast Guard regulations, a drawbridge when opened must open to its full upright position to allow boats to pass. As the bridge leaves reach their full upright position the bridge tender will stop the bascule leaves by turning the two major levers upright to stop the motors and the bridge.

How fast does a draw bridge open?

Broad Causeway bridge between Bay Harbor Islands and North Miami — From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the bridge only needs to open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour.

How long does a bridge stay up?

For most people, with proper care, a bridge can last about ten years. Regular dental exams and dental cleanings will extend the life of your bridge.

Is a draw bridge safe?

Drawbridge safety for pedestrians. Drawbridges can be just as dangerous for pedestrians as they are for motorists. Pedestrians seeking to walk across a drawbridge must remember that it may be open at any time.