Oskara Kalpaka Bridge, Swing bridge in Karosta district, Liepāja, Latvia.
Oskara Kalpaka Bridge is a swing bridge spanning the Karosta Canal with two identical metal sections that rotate in opposite directions to allow ships through. The driving surface features wooden boards rather than metal planking.
The bridge was built in 1906 as one of Latvia's earliest metal bridges, representing an important technical achievement of that era. A complete reconstruction took place in 2006 after decades of accumulated damage and wear.
The bridge honours Oskars Kalpaks, a key military figure in Latvia, and serves as a daily crossing between the Karosta district and central Liepāja. It represents a functional link in the city's layout rather than a symbolic monument.
The bridge operates according to a set daily schedule when ships need to pass, so pedestrians and drivers should expect potential waiting periods. A live webcam displays the current operational status to help with planning your crossing.
The bridge opens at set times throughout the day for maritime traffic, making it a predictable rhythm in the city's daily life. Watching the two sections rotate in opposite directions is a rare mechanical spectacle that most visitors overlook when passing through.
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