I have the first issue of the “modern” Bascule bridge and it is activate up and activate down as noted. A time delay relay could provide the “activate down” control a few tens of seconds after the bridge has been raised. Some of the accessory controllers out there (e.g. ASC, AIU, etc.) might have a programmable feature that can do this for you.
One word of caution: On the electronic bascule bridges, electrical noise can sometimes trigger the bridge to raise. Not good while a train is on it!! I had this issue a few times when running trains with a few lighted cars. This was on a temporary setup, and I’m sure I can cure it after some investigation. Until I do, I remove power to the bridge until I want to raise it and the track is clear.
