Listen for the bell that signals this swing bridge over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, part of the Cleveland Centre Historic District. In this downtown stretch of The Flats the bridge sits 1.28 river miles (2.06 km) from the mouth of the Cuyahoga. It is one of several moveable bridges within the city, and its east approach tucks beneath the larger Detroit–Superior Bridge.
When you watch it at work you will see why the river traffic shapes its life: the bridge opens on signal from marine traffic, except from December 15 through March 31 when 12-hour advance notice is required. At the operator's call the warning lights and bell begin, bar gates on each approach descend and then a larger locking gate closes the roadway. The Center Street Bridge can swing open either upstream or downstream, choosing direction to face the oncoming ship so the span can begin closing before the channel is fully cleared and road disruption is shortened.
Its east approach tucks beneath the larger Detroit-Superior Bridge, and you can watch its gates and lights signal an opening ship.