Here is an overall view of the bridge looking west at it from the east along the Giants Promenade behind the ballpark. Notice the gigantic pivot high up on the right end of the bridge. This single pivot design was called a heel trunnion (a pivot mounted on bearings) and the overall bridge type was called a bascule bridge (one end is weighted to counter balance the structure on the other end when the bridge is open).

The two small beige buildings, one at each end, were the original Operator (the one on the left) and Watchman (the one on the right) houses (currently only used for storage).

The part of the bridge that raises to let water traffic pass underneath. The sign on the bridge read:

60 Minutes Advance
Notice Required
For Bridge Openings
Call 695-2134

This is the part of the bridge that pivots. When the bridge is raised, the concrete counterweights on the right will be lowered to rest just above the roadway.

The two original small beige buildings have been retired and replaced by a single, larger red building. The one building combines the operator and watch functions of the original smaller two.

The pivot around which the bride rotates. Notice the small platform for inspecting and lubricating the pivot.

The bridge seen looking south along Third Street with Mission Bay beyond. Traffic passing over the bridge can be completely unaware of the huge structure overhead.

A close up look at the two huge concrete counterweights that precisely counter the weight of the roadway being lifted.

There were two signs on the bridge that gave instructions for opening. The one on the east side was clearly legible. The one on the west side was weathered and the phone number was almost illegible.

The view from the south side of the bridge looking north. Note that there are five traffic lanes crossing the bridge. Those lanes can be closed individually and opened for reverse traffic flow following games endings, and to dedicate traffic lanes to pedestrians.

The original plaque that shows the bridge design was patented by Joseph B. Strauss. This particular type of bridge (only one of which remains in San Francisco) was designed and construction was supervised by Joseph B. Strauss who also designed the Golden Gate Bridge. This bridge opened in 1933. It was officially renamed Lefty O'Doul Bridge in 1969.

When originally built, the bridge was operated from inside a building attached to the pivot. Here the bridge would pivot independently of the operator house which would remain upright as the bridge rotated around it.