Tower Bridge, Sacramento
historic place
The Tower Bridge, a historic place in Sacramento, California, connects Sacramento and Yolo counties across the Sacramento River. Construction began in 1934, and the bridge officially opened on December 15, 1935. It replaced the earlier M Street Bridge, which had operated since 1911. The Tower Bridge was designed by Alfred Eichler in the Streamlined Moderne architectural style, a distinctive feature for a lift bridge of its time. Costing $994,000, it was the first vertical-lift bridge in the California highway system. The bridge initially carried both vehicular traffic and the Sacramento Northern Railway. The rail tracks were removed in 1963, allowing for additional automobile lanes. Originally painted silver, the bridge later received its current gold color. In 1982, the Tower Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This structure represents a significant achievement in 1930s engineering and design, continuing to serve as a vital transportation link and a recognizable gateway to California's capital city.