Dix Bascule Bridge, Spanning Rouge River at Dix Avenue, Detroit, Wayne County, MI

Significance: The Dix Bascule Bridge is the newest of three double-leaf trunnion drawbridges constructed over the Rouge River in the 1920's. It is important in local history for its relation to the economic development of the Detroit area. This drawbridge allows Great Lake ore boats to supply steel mills and foundries, specifically the Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex to which it is adjacent. It is a simple trunnion bascule and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. An important feature of this bridge is its beautiful balustrade approach railings which must be replaced because of their structural inadequacy.
Survey number: HAER MI-32
Building/structure dates: 1926 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1984 Subsequent Work