Rules for Raising the Bridges?
So for the first time since I started working downtown in January, I encountered a raised bridge this morning on my way into work. I cross over on the Hawthorne bridge and noticed the flashing lights indicating that the bridge was raised just a moment to late to make a different turn and backtrack to the Morrison bridge.
Dangitall!
So I sat on the ramp on the way up to bridge… and sat and sat and sat. And ended up not getting to work until about about 10 minutes after 7.
I looked when I crossed over to see what had needed to pass through that we had to lift for - but I couldn’t see anything other than a few small fishing boats. I was surprised that they allow the bridge to lift for anything other than emergencies or specially scheduled ships during that morning (or afternoon) rush hour. I looked and couldn’t find any rules about it.
Are there any?
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i believe boats have right of way over bridge traffic. what with the river and boats being there first and all.
I might be wrong about this, but I thought there is a fee to have the bridge lifted during certain (rush) hours. I think this because I can remember a time when the bridge was often raised on my way to/from work and then it became a rare occasion.
I do know there is an agreement with shippers in the city to not go through that section during peak rush hour times, but pleasure boaters (i.e. sailboats) can go through anytime as George put it, I think they have the right of way. Also, I think Russ or Rusty pointed out that the raising of the Steel bridge actually goes through the train’s headquarters in the Midwest as they own the bridge, not us.
I have seen bridges raised for small 20′ sailboats and barges of sand.
I’ve gone through the bridges several times in my boat. While they ask that you don’t go through rush hour, most will open for you. The exception being a couple bridges like the I-5 span over the columbia have published that they will not open during certain periods without advance notice of some sort.
The railroad bridges actually have right of way over boats, so often there is a wait there.
I got a ride on a friend’s little sailboat once, from Hayden Island to Portland waterfront marina. You have to radio the bridge operator and they’ll open it for you. When we got to Burnside bridge around 6:30pm, the guy left for the day and was called back to open the bridge. I got off at the Rose Garden and took the MAX home. The railroad bridge over the Columbia was a swing bridge, really cool to see operate.
Divebarwife, what I find curious is that you didn’t see a boat. I also have been stopped at the Hawthorne for a duration and I at least wanted the satisfaction of seeing the boat… but no such luck, like you I saw only some smalll boats that could easily make the clearance.
So what gives?
I think there are “tests” occasionally as well. They just lift the span and close it to certify it is in working order.
I remember the I5 span over the columbia opening during rush hour when I needed to get to a interview. You could just sense the cussing from everyone. :)
The Hawthorne bridge must be lifted at least once every 8 hours to lubricate the works.