Henry Ford Avenue Bridge
Lift drawbridgeHenry Ford Avenue Bridge is a lift drawbridge with 6 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Open, it is charted at 165 ft.
Clearances are from NOAA chart US5CA62M, measured to mean high water. Actual clearance is lower whenever the water stands above that level, as at higher tides and in storm surge. Always confirm against your vessel's air draft and the posted clearance gauge before transiting.
Pathr nautical charts
Henry Ford Avenue Bridge on the chart
Find the bridge and its charted vertical clearance in one view. Select a pin to compare nearby bridges, see open and closed clearances where charted, and open its operating details.
How to request an opening
The draw of the Henry Ford Avenue railroad bridge, mile 4.8 at Long Beach, shall be maintained in the fully open position, except when a train is crossing or for maintenance. If the draw is in the closed position, the opening signal is two short blasts followed by one prolonged blast. The acknowledging signal is two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast when the draw will open immediately and five short blasts when the draw will not open immediately. Channel 13 (156.65 MHZ) or other assigned frequencies may be used.
Source: US Coast Guard drawbridge regulations, 33 CFR 117.147 (Cerritos Channel). Confirm before transiting.
Frequently asked
What is the clearance under Henry Ford Avenue Bridge?+
Henry Ford Avenue Bridge is a lift drawbridge with 6 ft of clearance closed, measured to mean high water. Open, it is charted at 165 ft. These figures are from NOAA chart data. Real clearance drops whenever the water stands above the level they are measured to, so leave a margin for your air draft.
How do I get Henry Ford Avenue Bridge to open?+
Contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM Channel 13, or sound the required signal. Operating schedule: The draw of the Henry Ford Avenue railroad bridge, mile 4.8 at Long Beach, shall be maintained in the fully open position, except when a train is crossing or for maintenance. If the draw is in the closed position, the opening signal is two
Tides & conditions at this crossing
Clearance under Henry Ford Avenue Bridge shrinks as the water rises. Check the water level and marine conditions at the nearest NOAA station, Long Beach, Terminal Island (1 mi away).
