Bridges

Bay City has 4 drawbridges that are manned 24 hours a day during the Shipping season from April 1 - December 31.

Bridges need open for the passage of recreational vessels only from 3 minutes before to 3 minutes after the hour and half-hour, and the Liberty Street and Lafayette Street Bridges need open for the passages of recreational vessels only from 3 minutes before to 3 minutes after the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour.
Little boy looks over the edge of a bridge at a bridge freighter.

Bridge Draws


Draws of the Independence Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Veterans Memorial Bridge, and the Lafayette Bridge, all in Bay City shall open on signal except as follows:
  • From April 15 through November 1, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, the draws of the Independence and the Veterans Memorial
  • From January 1 - March 31, a 12-hour notice must be given for an opening. To request draw opening of bridges during such time please call the numbers listed below:
    • Independence Bridge - City of Bay City: 892-2351
    • Liberty Bridge - City of Bay City: 894-0807
    • Lafayette Bridge - MDOT: 671-1535
    • Veterans Memorial Bridge - MDOT: 671-1535