Tower Lift Bridge

Details

About

Introduction:

Constructed in 1935, the Tower LIft Bridge carries state Route 275 across the Sacramento River just south of Broderick. The bridge was originally designed to carry rail and vehicular traffic, but today only carries the former.

Navigating the Bridge:

Use NOAA Chart 18662.

This bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 30 feet, with an open vertical clearance of 96 feet when the span is lifted to its highest position. There is 170 feet of horizontal clearance in the center span.

The Sacramento River is deep and wide here, so the best approach is to line up with the center span of the lift bridge and stay mid-channel. Depths range form 15- to 21-foot depths. Farther upstream toward Broderick is a swing bridge with a 30-foot closed vertical clearance.

Bridge Schedule:

Depending on schedule, the bridge can be opened by horn signal (one long, one short) or by hailing the bridge tender on VHF Channel 09. (All bridges in the state of Florida must be hailed on VHF Channel 09.)

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.