Definition of swing bridge

The term "swing bridge" refers to a type of movable bridge that allows watercraft to pass through by swinging a prominent section or sections to the side. The concept of swing bridges dates back to the early 19th century, when railway companies in Europe needed to cross rivers that were too wide to build fixed bridges over. One of the earliest known swing bridges was the Crookes Swing Bridge in Sheffield, England, which opened in 1812. The bridge was manually operated and consisted of a single swing span that pivoted around a vertical axis, allowing boats to pass through. As engineers developed more sophisticated designs, swing bridges became more common in urban areas with busy river traffic. The first cable-stayed swing bridge, which uses cables instead of traditional support structures, was the Loyang Bridge in Singapore, which opened in 1969. Today, swing bridges are still used in many parts of the world, from major cities to small rural areas. Their versatility and ability to accommodate large boats and vessels make them a important part of modern transportation infrastructure. However, the term "swing bridge" is also applied to other types of movable bridges, such as bascule bridges (which pivot like a seesaw) and lift bridges (which lift entire sections of the bridge out of the way).