Eastern Railroad Discussion > Drawbridges in Cleveland

I just visited Cleveland and was amazed at all the drawbridges down in the area known as "The Flats". A couple of questions:

1. How many are there?
2. How many are still used for rail traffic and not locked in the up position?

john1082 Wrote:
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> I just visited Cleveland and was amazed at all the
> drawbridges down in the area known as "The Flats".
> A couple of questions:
>
> 1. How many are there?
> 2. How many are still used for rail traffic and
> not locked in the up position?

If I counted right, there are nine existing RR bridges.
Three (2 ex B&O, 1 ex N&W) are locked open.
Four others were removed.

There are three road bridges.
One is locked open.

It had to be quite a sight when they were all in use and opening in sequence (and combination) to allow passage of a ship through the various channels!

To really see the bridges in action, ride the Goodtime III tour boat (departs from behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the foot of 9th Street). Railroad (and highway) bridges will lift, jackknife, and swing open for the boat, and you'll see the Terminal Tower from all four sides. You should be able to count on a little railfanning from teh boat as well....

--Mike