Bridge tender

{{Short description|Occupation}}

File:Pier-Christiaansloot Echtenerbrug Brugwachter.JPG who traditionally receives passage money (2007)]]

A bridge tender, also known as a bridge keeper, operates and maintains a bridge to ensure the safe passage of water traffic and vehicle traffic on the bridge.{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bridgetender|title=Definition of BRIDGETENDER|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en|access-date=2017-09-21}} For a railroad bridge, the bridge tender is also responsible for rail traffic safety.{{Cite web|url=https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/working-at-csx/job-overviews/engineering/bridge-tender|title=CSX.com - Bridge Tender|website=www.csx.com|language=en|access-date=2017-09-21}}

Moveable bridges typically have a bridge tender's house,{{Cite news|url=http://www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/bridgetenders-house/|title=Bridge Tender's House at Selma, AL (built 1883-1884; listed on the NRHP) - RuralSWAlabama|work=RuralSWAlabama|access-date=2017-09-21|language=en-US}} from which a bridge tender can observe traffic and operate the bridge, and may also be the employee's residence.