Bridge tower

A tall structural support that transfers bridge-cable forces or deck loads to the foundations. In suspension and cable-stayed bridges, towers are prominent supports for the main cables or stay cables.

Bridge cable: A tension-carrying cable used to support a bridge deck or transfer loads between structural members. Main cables and stay cables deliver substantial forces to bridge towers.
Pylon: A tall upright structure that supports cables or other suspended elements. Bridge towers are often called pylons, especially on cable-stayed bridges.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: A Japanese suspension bridge spanning the Akashi Strait between Kobe and Awaji Island. Its tall towers support the main cables across one of the world's longest suspension spans.
Bridge abutment: An end support that transfers bridge loads to the ground and retains the approach embankment. Abutments support bridge ends, while towers usually stand within a span and support cables.
Bridge pier: An intermediate support that carries a bridge deck between its ends and transfers loads to a foundation. Unlike a typical pier, a tower also supports the cable system above the deck.
Portal frame: A rigid frame formed by upright members connected across the top by a beam. Many bridge towers use portal frames to resist forces in two directions.
Golden Gate Bridge: A suspension bridge across the Golden Gate strait in San Francisco, opened in 1937. Its two steel towers make the cable-support system visible above the strait.
Cable-stayed bridge: A bridge whose deck is supported directly by cables running from towers to the deck. Its towers support individual stays, unlike suspension-bridge towers that carry main cables.
Bridge foundation: The substructure that transfers a bridge's loads into soil or rock. Tower forces ultimately pass through its base into the foundation.
Lattice tower: A tower built from an open framework of interconnected structural members. Lattice construction can reduce material while providing a stiff bridge support.

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