Engineering

Aerial Lift Bridge Rides Policy and Waiver

The Lift Bridge (“Bridge”) is not open to general public vehicular or pedestrian use during Bridge operation. Vehicles are never authorized on the Bridge during operations except for emergencies. The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines as to persons and vehicles authorized to be present on the Bridge during operation (i.e. lifting and lowering) by special permit pursuant to Duluth City Code Section 26.53. This policy recognizes that the Bridge is industrial machinery not designed or maintained for general public vehicular or pedestrian use during operation. The purpose of this policy is to limit Bridge use to those persons whose presence is necessary for Bridge operation, or those whose presence the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) determines serves an important public purpose.

1. VEHICLES PROHIBITED
   1. Vehicles are never authorized on the Bridge during operations except for emergencies.
2. PERMITTED VISITORS
   1. The following persons may be granted permission to be present on the Bridge during its operation:
      1. News media involved in producing stories involving the governmental functions of the City of Duluth.
      2. Visiting state, national, foreign dignitaries or elected officials.
      3. Other governmental officials whose purpose involves the performance of their official functions and those persons whose presence is necessary to facilitate the visit.
      4. Technical and engineering personnel inspecting or evaluating Bridge mechanical and structural conditions.
      5. Contractors making repairs to the Bridge whose access and presence is necessary to perform contracted services or repairs.
      6. Utility personnel performing maintenance or repairs of the Bridge or other utility facilities.
      7. Groups or individuals who have undertaken efforts of civic betterment or community interest, or whose presence is a reward for public service, or helps advertising or promotes the City and its economy, but only if operation of the Bridge is not impaired.
3. PROHIBITED VISITORS
   1. The following individuals are prohibited from being present on the Bridge during its operation:
      1. Persons under the age of 10 years.
      2. Persons under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs.
      3. Persons under the influence of prescription drugs if they appear to be in an impaired condition.
      4. Persons who are unable to independently negotiate the stairs to the pilot house or other Bridge structures with or without reasonable accommodation.
      5. Persons who have not been granted permission to visit the Bridge during operation.
4. PROCEDURES
   1. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or designee must approve all non-maintenance related Bridge visits. The CAO may use a token, form or pass to signify approval.
   2. All maintenance related visits shall be approved by the Director of Public Works and Utilities.
   3. All visits must be confirmed with the Bridge Supervisor prior to the visit. This confirmation allows the Bridge Supervisor to update visitors on Bridge conditions.
   4. All Bridge visits shall be coordinated with marine traffic.
   5. Except for City employees present for maintenance work, each visitor must sign the “ WAIVER OF LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION, AND RELEASE FORM”, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A and made part of this Policy (see link below to the policy and waiver). No visitor will be allowed on the Bridge during operation unless their signed Release of Liability, Waiver, and Agreement to Hold Harmless and Indemnify Form is in the possession of the City CAO or Director of Public Works and Utilities, or their designees, prior to their visit.
   6. Visitors must be escorted by at least one (1) City employee who is not conducting Bridge operations.
   7. Visitors must follow all directions of Bridge personnel.
   8. Bridge personnel are in charge of the Bridge at all times and have the ultimate and final authority to cancel any visit that has been authorized and are further authorized to cancel visits without notice.
   9. Visitors shall not possess or use alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs of any kind.
   10. No Bridge visit is guaranteed. Visits can be cancelled at anytime with or without cause.

Link to policy and attached waiver. 

Please fill out the waiver and email to dschwensohn@duluthmn.gov.  If you have any questions about this policy or the waiver, contact Duncan Schwensohn, PE, at 218-730-5107.