The Portage Lake Lift Bridge was originally built to serve railroad cars (lower deck) and autos (either
deck). With trains no longer crossing the bridge, it remains in the intermediate position for most of the
year (cars crossing on the lower deck). This allows small and mid-size boats to cross under the bridge
without needing to request "lifting" the bridge. Similar to most drawbridges, the bridge must still be
raised for larger boats to pass under. In winter, however, the bridge is lowered allowing snowmobiles to
cross on the lower deck (and cars on the upper deck).
The Wordy Explorers
Social Media Description
Do you like unique bridges?
I am always fascinated by unique bridge architecture. The Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Houghton, Michigan
is the first of its kind that I have seen. The concept is similar to a drawbridge (or more technically a
bascule bridge) - the bridge can be raised to let larger boats pass underneath. Rather than the individual
spans swinging upward, the movable span rises vertically - always remaining parallel to its starting point.
I am always fascinated by unique bridge architecture. The Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Houghton, Michigan is the first of its kind that I have seen. The concept is similar to a drawbridge (or more technically a bascule bridge) - the bridge can be raised to let larger boats pass underneath. Rather than the individual spans swinging upward, the movable span rises vertically - always remaining parallel to its starting point.
Where have you seen a unique bridge?
#WordyExplorers #michigan #houghton #PortageLake #LiftBridge #bridge #bridges #BridgesOfInstagram #architecture #ArchitectureDesign #ArchitectureLover #boat #boats #SeeTheWorldThroughMyEyes