Walney Bridge, Road and bascule bridge in Barrow-in-Furness, England
Walney Bridge is a road bridge with a bascule mechanism spanning across the Walney Channel, connecting mainland Barrow-in-Furness to Walney Island via the A590 road. It features dedicated lanes for vehicles and pedestrians, with the bascule section able to lift to allow boat traffic passage underneath.
Construction was completed in 1908 by Sir William Arrol & Co, replacing the ferry service that previously crossed the channel. This new connection helped open the island to development and improved transport links for the growing industrial town.
The bridge is also known as Jubilee Bridge, a name given in 1935 by the Duchess of York to mark King George V's Silver Jubilee. This name reflects how a royal celebration became woven into the local identity and daily speech.
The bridge is open to both pedestrians and vehicle traffic, functioning as a standard road crossing in daily use. Visitors should be aware that the bridge may lift at certain times to allow boat traffic to pass underneath.
During World War II, authorities lifted the bridge every night to prevent vessels and troops from reaching Barrow's strategic shipbuilding facilities through Walney Island. This nightly security measure was part of the defence strategy protecting a vital industrial centre.
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