Some context: I row every morning, and due to my rowing club's proximity to a large lake, it is often very windy and rough (which builds character, according to the coaches). I noticed that as we row under bridges, the water seems to "speed up" and the waves grow in height. A similar effect is noted near the breakwaters close to shore, where an area of rough and fast waters seems to be created.
I'm not sure if this is fitting in the Earth Science SE, or if this is too broad or elementary, but I would like to know what causes this!
EDIT: The bridge in question has two rows of three pillars (similar to the below image, except closer together and made of steel) parallel to each other, we pass between the opening.