Every bridge takes geometry into account as it is a vital part of ensuring the bridge is sturdy, durable and can handle the weight it will be subject to. Geometric constraints will also determine the type of bridge that can be built at certain sites. It is not surprising therefore that I have multiple bridges to share over the coming month.
I thought I’d start with one that caught my eye in northern California – the Steamboat Slough Bridge!

Doesn’t it have a great name. Nothing to do with the type of bridge, but a reflection of its location – it crosses the Steamboat Slough, a branch of the Sacramento River. Steamboats regularly travelled this waters between Sacramento and San Francisco, and slough in this instance means side-channel from a river.
The bridge was built in 1924 and originally the road deck would have been made of wood. In simple terms it is a bascule bridge and works in a similar way to Tower Bridge in London, it is just the counterweight is hidden at Tower Bridge. For those of a more technical nature this bridge is an Metal Rivet-Connected Pratt Through Truss, Movable: Double Leaf Bascule (Heel Trunnion)!
It is day five of GeometricJanuary, and I have been delighted by the variety of geometric squares everyone has been sharing. If you also want to join in the magic of geometry this month, then all you need remember is that your main image must be Square in shape. Everything else is a recommendation;
- it is a daily challenge but you can also post weekly, just once in January or whatever frequency suits you and your blog
- it is totally up to you whether you pingback via your post or add your link with a comment on one of my daily square posts. Both approaches work.
- it helps me enormously when I create the galleries if you use the tag GeometricJanuary
- keep an eye on your spam as my comments are disappearing on some of your posts
Phew! Just squeezing in under the wire today. An exhausting day of cavalcades and child-centred fun: https://margaret21.com/2025/01/05/geometric-cavalcada-del-reis-mags/
LikeLiked by 2 people
the smiles and the fun make the exhaustion all worthwhile 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dead right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not a thing of beauty but I guess it does the job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was all about practical solutions then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The admirable Cee led me here and I decided to give your challenge a try. Here is my contribution: Bridge – Cafe Ludwig
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh this is so special. I have just been chatting to Cee and Chris, and so to see you visit because of her is truly lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Becky. Cee has been a big driving force in my reaching out. No doubt that is true for many other bloggers. Thank you for the nice welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s so supportive and encouraging isn’t she. Great to get to know you
LikeLiked by 1 person
So we are back in San Fransisco for today. Great photo Becky.
Here is my entry for the day.
https://ceenphotography.com/2025/01/05/fotd-and-beckys-geometricjanuary-square-jan-5/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cee, and it was so lovely to talk to you and Chris today. Hugs, and look up the recipe for stilton soup 😉
LikeLike
What a marvellous name, and sturdy construction too! I just realised I never commented on this post when I created mine, and ping back didn’t work. I know you’ve commented, but for the record, here’s the link : https://suejudd.com/2025/01/05/geometric-rooflines-1/
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sturdy, haven’t fathomed out why yet!
Looking forward to our chat this week xx
LikeLike
My Bridge is just a little older…. https://davidoakes-images.com/2025/01/05/square-geometry/
LikeLiked by 1 person
well maybe by the odd year or two!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with kzmcb…it definitely looks like a steam shovel. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
love how you are all seeing that – makes me wonder if that is what the builders intended
LikeLike
What a complex bridge. Must have attracted a lot of attention when it first went up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it really would have stood out as hardly any buildings nearby.
LikeLike
Quite an amazing photo and bridge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, and yes it is quite an extraordinary bridge isn’t it. Would love to see it in motion
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is one astonishing construction, Becky. Mine square’s a bit astonishing too:
https://tishfarrell.com/2025/01/05/fruitily-geometrical-the-pink-pineapple-pavilion/
LikeLiked by 1 person
think I prefer your astonishing to mine!
LikeLiked by 1 person