Engineering Wonders of the World
Volume I

SCHERZER ROLLING LIFT BRIDGES. 49 DOUBLE-TRACK SCHERZER BRIDGE AT CLEVELAND, OHIO. View shows old Swing Bridge over which traffic was maintained during the construction of the new Bridge. together when it is desired to operate them as one bridge, or each bridge may be equipped so as to operate separately. The width of channel afforded by the Tower Bridge is 200 feet. The double-leaf Scherzer spanning the Chicago River at the entrance to the Grand Central Station, Chicago, gives a 275-foot Scherzer Bridges. channel. The longest single leaf span yet constructed is that across the Cuyahoga River at Cleveland, Ohio, for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. This has been in successful opera- tion since 1907. When in its erect position the leaf must be an imposing object, for it is 230 feet long, and would therefore overtop the Nelson Column by many feet if placed alongside. Because of the virtual elimination of friction by means of large rollers moving on level tracks, and the possibility of counterbalancing perfectly in all positions, the makers claim that it would be quite feasible to construct a Scherzer with spans equalling those of the Forth Bridge, were a movable span of that length required, and that it could be made double-decked. Note.—The illustrations to this article were kindly supplied by the Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Company. (1,408) 4 VOL. II.