Swing Bridges Around the World

Swing bridges rotate horizontally around a vertical axis to open.

A central pin and support ring hold the swing span in place.

Closed swing bridges allow cars and trains to cross water.

Motors rotate the bridge about ninety degrees to clear boats.

Some bridges rotate only forty-five degrees in narrow channels.

Swing bridges need no counterweights, so they are lighter structures.

Central piers on symmetric bridges can be hazards to navigation.

Artificial islands protect the pivot from collisions by boats.

Small swing bridges may pivot at one end like a gate.

Swing bridges can be found worldwide in many countries and cities.

Open swing bridges act as balanced double cantilevers needing stiffness.

Swing bridges require less street space than other types of bridges.