Center Street Swing Bridge
Cleveland's historic red swing bridge, a marvel of engineering that still opens for river traffic, connecting the city's vibrant Flats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See the bridge in action
Center Street Swing Bridge
Best Time
See the bridge in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cleveland's historic red swing bridge, a marvel of engineering that still opens for river traffic, connecting the city's vibrant Flats.
"A century-old engineering marvel that still swings open for boats, connecting Cleveland's Flats."
Check Swing Schedule
The bridge opens for boats, so check schedules to see it in action!
Best Photo Angles
East side of the river, near Lorenzo Carter Cabin, offers great shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Swing Mechanism
Cuyahoga River
Witness this century-old engineering marvel swing open to allow large boats to pass. A truly unique spectacle!
Iconic Red Structure
Flats District
Admire the striking red steel of this historic bridge, a symbol of Cleveland's industrial past and urban renewal.
Riverfront Views
Cuyahoga Riverfront
Enjoy picturesque views of the Cuyahoga River and the city skyline from the bridge's pedestrian walkways.
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Planning Your Visit
Bridge Reopening & Access
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Swing Schedule
The bridge opens for boats, so check schedules to see it in action!
Best Photo Angles
East side of the river, near Lorenzo Carter Cabin, offers great shots.
Mindful of Traffic
Be aware of cars when walking on or near the bridge.
Historic Engineering
Learn about its 1901 construction by King Bridge Company.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Swing Schedule
The bridge opens for boats, so check schedules to see it in action!
Best Photo Angles
East side of the river, near Lorenzo Carter Cabin, offers great shots.
Mindful of Traffic
Be aware of cars when walking on or near the bridge.
Historic Engineering
Learn about its 1901 construction by King Bridge Company.
Noise Concerns
Some residents note loud horn alarms at odd hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are thrilled by the Center Street Swing Bridge's reopening, praising its historic engineering and iconic red appearance. While its functional swing action is a highlight, some residents note concerns about loud horn alarms. Overall, it's a celebrated landmark offering great views and a connection to Cleveland's industrial past.
"Disclaimer: I am a huge fan of bridges.
The Center Street Swing Bridge was closed in January 2022 and only reopened in October 2023. Built in 1901, the counter weight bridge swings completely to the West side of the Cuyahoga River to allow large boats to pass.
It connects the East & West sides of Cleveland and sits beneath the Superior-Detroit (Veterans Memorial) Bridge. On the West side it is adjacent to the remnant of the Superior-Detroit Viaduct.
The bridge is attended by an operator in an elevated control room on the upriver side of the bridge which has pedestrian walkways on both sides of the road way.
The bridge seems to take about two minutes to open or rejoin the crossing when large nautical vessels pass by the iconic red structure.
The lighting of the bridge is provided by Cleveland Electric Power."
Tommy Kurauchi
"A beautiful red steel bridge that crosses the Cuyahoga River. You can't miss it as you walk around the Settler's Landing area. It is a functional bridge, unlike a lot of the other large rusty object around the area, so be careful of vehicular traffic as you approach the bridge on foot. The best angle to take pictures of the bridge is from the East side of the river, near Lorenzo Carter Cabin."
John Hsieh
"Tell the bridge lady to limit the turning horn alarms to 2 beeps . Blasting it 5-7 times at 1am or other late or early a.m is unnecessary noise disturbances to all the apt residents next door."
Erin Miele
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is located in Cleveland's Flats district. It's accessible by car, though parking can be limited. Public transportation options are available, and it's also a great spot for a walk or bike ride along the Cuyahoga River.
Parking availability can vary, especially during events. It's advisable to check local parking apps or consider public transport or ride-sharing services.
Absolutely! The bridge has pedestrian walkways, and the surrounding riverfront areas are great for walking and cycling. The Towpath Trail connects to it.
Jacob's Pavilion is nearby. While traffic can be heavy after events, walking from the bridge is an option, or consider ride-sharing for easier departure.
The bridge has pedestrian walkways, which are generally accessible. However, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary accessibility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting and viewing the Center Street Swing Bridge is free. It's a public infrastructure and a landmark.
The bridge operates as needed to allow river traffic to pass. It's not on a fixed schedule for opening, but it's generally accessible for pedestrians and vehicles when not in transit.
The bridge reopened in October 2023 after undergoing significant repairs and restoration.
No, the bridge closes to vehicular and pedestrian traffic when it needs to swing open for boats. This is part of its operational charm!
Boat tours on the Cuyahoga River, like the Goodtime III, often pass by or under the bridge, offering a unique perspective.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light. Evenings are also great as the bridge is illuminated.
The East side of the Cuyahoga River, near Lorenzo Carter Cabin, provides excellent vantage points for capturing the bridge.
Yes, there are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge, allowing you to get quite close. Just be mindful of traffic.
Its iconic red color, historic engineering, and the dramatic swing action make it a very photogenic subject.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check current FAA and local rules before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 ⚙️ History & Engineering
The bridge was completed in 1901 by the King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio.
It's a rare 'Bobtail' swing bridge, designed to swing to the west side of the Cuyahoga River.
It's a vital connector between the East and West banks of the Flats and a symbol of Cleveland's industrial heritage and ongoing urban renewal.
The bridge underwent a major rehabilitation, including restoration and cleaning, to ensure its continued operation.
It is the last working swing span on the Cuyahoga River, making it a significant piece of engineering history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a boat tour on the Cuyahoga River for an even more immersive experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for the golden hours – sunrise or sunset – for the most dramatic lighting, or capture the bridge illuminated at night. For the best compositions, explore the riverbanks. The East side, near Lorenzo Carter Cabin, is frequently cited as an ideal location for capturing the bridge's full span and its interaction with the river.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
You can easily incorporate a stroll across the bridge into a larger exploration of the Flats. Be aware that the bridge does close to all traffic when it swings open for river vessels. This can be a minor inconvenience or a highlight, depending on your perspective!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: A Bobtail Swing Bridge
+1The bridge's operation is managed by an attendant in an elevated control room, adding to its historic charm. When a ship approaches, the bridge closes to road traffic, and the operator initiates the swing. The process, which takes only a couple of minutes, is a fascinating spectacle to witness, showcasing the bridge's continued functionality.
After a significant period of closure for repairs, its reopening in October 2023 was a celebrated event, restoring a vital link between Cleveland's East and West Flats and preserving a piece of the city's industrial legacy.
+1Experiencing the Bridge: From Views to Noise
The pedestrian walkways offer a great way to experience the bridge up close, providing views of the Cuyahoga River and the surrounding cityscape. Many find it a functional and impressive piece of infrastructure, unlike some of the more derelict structures in the area. For photographers, the East bank of the river, particularly near Lorenzo Carter Cabin, is recommended for capturing the bridge's grandeur.
Beyond just viewing the bridge, it's part of a larger trail system. The Towpath Trail connects to the bridge, offering opportunities to extend your exploration along the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
Boat tours on the Cuyahoga River also provide unique perspectives of the bridge in action. 
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