Lefty O'Doul Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lefty O'Doul Bridge |
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The bridge as seen from Oracle Park
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| Coordinates | 37°46′36″N 122°23′24″W / 37.77667°N 122.39000°W |
| Carries | Cars, bicycles, pedestrians |
| Crosses | McCovey Cove |
| Locale | San Francisco, California |
| Named for | Lefty O'Doul |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Bascule bridge |
| History | |
| Designer | Joseph Strauss |
| Construction cost | $640,000 |
| Opened | May 12, 1933 |
| Statistics | |
| Toll | None |
The Lefty O'Doul Bridge is a special kind of bridge in San Francisco, California. It's also known as the Third Street Bridge or China Basin Bridge. This bridge connects two neighborhoods, China Basin and Mission Bay. It helps cars, bikes, and people cross the Mission Creek Channel. You can find it right next to Oracle Park, a famous baseball stadium.
This bridge is a bascule bridge, which means it's a type of drawbridge. Parts of it can lift up to let boats pass underneath.
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Bridge History and Design
The Lefty O'Doul Bridge first opened on May 12, 1933. A special ceremony was held, and the mayor at the time, Angelo Joseph Rossi, was there. The bridge was designed by Joseph Strauss. He was also the chief engineer for the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
When it first opened, the bridge carried many different things. It was used by people walking, cars, streetcars, and even trains. This shows how important it was for transportation in the city.
Why the Name Changed
In 1980, the bridge was given a new name to honor a famous person. It was renamed after Lefty O'Doul, a well-known baseball player. This was a way to remember his contributions.
Modern Upgrades and Repairs
The bridge got an important update in 1999. This was done before the nearby ballpark opened. The ballpark was first called Pacific Bell Park. These updates helped make sure the bridge was safe and strong for many more years.
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The Lefty O'Doul Bridge is currently getting more repairs. The San Francisco Department of Public Works is working on a $25 million project. These repairs are needed to keep the bridge strong and fix any rust or damage. This work helps the bridge stay safe for everyone who uses it.
How the Bridge is Used
The Lefty O'Doul Bridge has five lanes for traffic. Usually, the two lanes on the east side are for cars going north. The two lanes on the west side are for cars going south. The middle lane can change direction depending on traffic needs.
Traffic During Baseball Games
When there are events at Oracle Park, like baseball games, the traffic flow changes. The two easternmost lanes are closed to cars. Instead, these lanes are used only by people walking to and from the stadium. The other two easternmost lanes can still change direction as needed. This helps manage the crowds and traffic around the ballpark.
