The bridge joins Duluth, with Minnesota Point better known to Duluth residents as "Park Point".
Duluth is a shipping port and all the incoming and outgoing vessels must pass under this bridge.
When a ship needs to enter or exit the harbor today, it signals the bridge operator who signals back. Then, the bottom part of the bridge raises when the weights on either side lower to the ground allowing the vessel to pass through into the harbor or out on to Lake Superior.