| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Black River Railroad Bridge
| Railroad (Canadian National) Over Black River | Port Huron: St. Clair County, Michigan | Metal Through Girder, Movable: Bascule | 1929 By: Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
This is one of two movable railroad bridges in Port Huron, but is the only one that still operates. The bridge is generally in the down position in the winter and in the open position in the summer. The bridge is lowered only when a train is coming during the summer. If you want an up-close look at this bridge, a winter visit is recommended.
This is a rolling lift bascule bridge. The main span, which is the moveable span, is a through plate girder. The bridge includes one deck plate girder approach span at each end of the bridge. Concrete piers support the bridge in the water. Abutments are also concrete. This bridge was built in 1929 by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company. A couple plaques remain on the bridge; one is broken the other in good condition. The main span plate girder is attached to the machinery and counterweight via several steel beams and connections. Several of these beams are built-up and have v-lacing and/or lattice. All solid connections are riveted.
This is a fascinating bridge, because unlike most newer highway bascule bridges, you can see most of the gears and moving parts from the outside of the bridge. This bridge replaced an unknown structure at this location.
