To expand on Joe's comments, street turnouts most often employed a recessed low ground throw, similar to one used between tracks in tight clearance spots such as yards & depots. The plate between the rails that Joe refers to, is actually a cover for the tierod that secures the ends of the point rails in correct gauge. A similar, but T - shaped heavy metal cover, is used to protect the throw arm & switch mechanism off to one side of the turnout itself. Obviously, such an installation would preclude the use of a target on the switch mechanism, so slow speeds were required to determine the position of the switch. Of course, slow speeds were also necessary when sharing the road with autos, trucks, horse & buggy, etc.
An alternative to in - street switch machines was used when the turnout was located near the street edge. A normal switch stand would be placed off the pavement, operating the points with a LONG tierod in a trench & covered with a steel plate.