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Bascule bridge.
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A comment on the statement that towboats have the right of way over trains, that's why the bridge is left open most of the time" <br />As a tugboat captain, I can tell you that towboats do not have the right of way over trains. First off, the bridges are left open because there is usually alot more towboat traffic than train traffic. Leaving them in the up position means less wear and tear on the bridge mechanisum. <br /> Bascule bridges usually break when they are in the down position which would block all river traffic. <br />Bascule bridges close faster than they open. <br />If a train is coming, usually the towboat has to slow or stop till the train is clear. there are times when a tow is close to the bridge that the tender will call the train and have them slow to allow the tow to clear the bridge. <br />Many train bridges are unmanned now days. They operate automatically. There are lights on the fenders of the bridge that flash red to let towboats know that a train is coming, and there is usually a VHF radio broadcast on channels 16/09 that the bridge will closing and how soon it will be closing. <br />Conclusion: Trains normally have the right of way. Only when a towboat is too close to stop or in the span does it have the right of way. <br />Tows can take a very long time to stop. A typical tow can wieght 20,000 tons or much more. A fair tide(current behind you) can increase stopping distance for a tow of up to 20 miles. Downbowned with a strong fair tide and a large tow the train will usually wait on the tow to clear. <br />A large tug will have the horse power of approxiamately two locomotives. 2000 to 4000 hp. Only the largest of the river towboats will have more than 6000.
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