Bascule bridges have spans that pivot upward utilizing gears, motors and counterweights. Unlike vertical lift bridges, when opened, there is no vertical obstacle to river traffic. ... The machinery for opening the bridge is located above the structure. The Burnside Bridge is a Strauss-type, double-leaf bascule bridge.

What supports a bascule bridge?

Bascule girders are typically connected to a system of steel framing, including floorbeams, stringers and cantilever brackets that support the bascule leaf deck.

What are the common features of a bascule bridge?

A type of movable bridge, a bascule bridge contains one or two spans, one end of which is free and swings upwards. A counterweight at the pivoting end of the span or spans balances the weight as the free end rises.