A swing bridge is a movable bridge. In its closed position this one (the Kelley Bridge, named after the owner of a nearby farm) was built in 1911 to carry road vehicles over the East Holland River. Turned 90 degrees horizontally, the bridge would open like a gate to let water vessels through, part of a proposed canal system to link Lake Ontario to the south with Lake Simcoe to the north.
This swing bridge -- built to be cranked by hand -- was designed to pivot at one end on a turntable. As you can see, some of the original gearing has been preserved.
But this bridge never operated as a swing bridge. Because of cost overruns, the canal project was cancelled in 1912.
However, the Kelley Bridge did function as an ordinary bridge until 2002, connecting two ends a gravel road.
For more posts about various kinds of bridges, click HERE.
16 comments:
Great bridge post, for this beautiful swing bridge.
pop over and see my Bridge
Rocken'roll bridge who don't want to dance...:)
Interesting story about the bridge. It looks well maintained even if it's no longer used as a road bridge.
Oh... this was a strange beauty...
Think I have never ever seen anyone like it in my country.
Thanks for showing ous...
Nice day too you.
Interesting! They could indeed build intelligent in old ages, too..
Beautiful bridge...I am glad you showed the workings of it also. I have not seen anything like this that I can remember.
Very interesting bridge, excellent.
Great story, EG. I like bridges and this one is unique. And looks in great shape. MB
This i would say is a good old quality bridge. Fantastic!
That was interesting! I have never seen a swing bridge before - a pity it was never used as intended.
yes, a great bridge post;)
I loved this bridge post. It's great. I loved the close-up of the wheel.
Our Bridge is Built.
Come visit,
Troy and Martha
Wow that is a great bridge i don't think i have seen one like it before
Interesting!
It`s the first bridge I`ve seen of this kind.
I think it is beautiful.
A quiet place i guess, since it is not in use.
Very good post!
EG: Very well captured, I like the way you showed the working mechanism.
Very interresting.I have never seen a bridge like that before.It`s beautiful too.
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