Rebound of the Bascule Bridge

A patented bascule bridge in Sheboygan, Wis. demonstrates design innovations that reduce the cost of bascule construction and minimize maintenance problems. The new $7.5 million South Eighth Street Bridge spanning the Sheboygan River in Wisconsin may resemble existing bascule bridges, but it represents a significant departure from traditional bascule design. The single-leaf, unbalanced bascule bridge incorporates three new design features: a noncounterweighted design, a concrete roadway deck slab and a simple structural framing system. These improvements address long-standing cost and durability issues surrounding bascule bridges. The result is a structure that is less expensive than a conventional bascule bridge and nearly as durable as modern fixed bridges.