A swing bridge (or swing span bridge) is a movable bridge that can be rotated horizontally around a vertical axis. It has as its primary structural support a vertical locating pin and support ring, usually at or near to its center of gravity, about which the swing span (turning span) can then pivot horizontally as shown in the animated illustration to the right. In its closed position, a swing bridge carrying a road or railway over a river or canal, for example, allows traffic to cross. When a water vessel needs to pass the bridge, road traffic is stopped (usually by traffic signals and barriers), and then motors rotate the bridge horizontally about its pivot point. The typical swing bridge will rotate approximately 90 degrees, or one-quarter turn; however, a bridge which intersects the navigation channel at an oblique angle may be built to rotate only 45 degrees, or one-eighth turn, in order to clear the channel. Small swing bridges as found over narrow canals may be pivoted only at one end, opening as would a gate, but require substantial underground structure to support the pivot.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Examples

Albania

Argentina

Australia

Belize

Canada

China

Denmark

Egypt

Estonia

France

Germany

India

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

The Netherlands

Many inner cities have swing bridges, since these require less street space than other types of bridges.

New Zealand

(A "swing bridge" in New Zealand refers to a flexible walking track bridge which "swings" as you walk across.)

Panama

Poland

South Africa

Taiwan

Ukraine

United Kingdom

In the UK, there is a legal definition in current statute as to what is, or is not a 'swing bridge'

United States

The largest double swing-span bridge in the United States is the 3250 ft long, 450 ft navigable span, 60 ft clearance George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. Omaha NE Turn Style Bridge is now a historical landmark. Located 86H674H5+98 Used for rail transport. Connecting Council Bluffs, Iowa to downtown Omaha, Nebraska

Uruguay

Vietnam