Barton Swing Aqueduct

Barton Swing Aqueduct is a rotating waterway in Salford that carries the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal on two steel troughs. The structure pivots around a central island to open a passage for large vessels traveling below.

Engineer Edward Leader Williams created the structure in the late 19th century when the new Ship Canal required removal of the original fixed crossing from 1761. The opening allowed coal barges to continue using the older Bridgewater route while larger ships passed underneath.

The name recalls the village of Barton-upon-Irwell that once stood here before the Ship Canal was built. Boats on the upper waterway now cross above the wider shipping route below, with crews unable to see one another during passage.

The structure sits on a small island between both waterways and can be watched from several points along the banks. Visitors get the best view of the mechanism from the footpaths running beside the Ship Canal during rotation.

The gates at each end seal automatically when the aqueduct swings aside, holding 800 cubic meters of water inside the trough. This system allows ships to pass through the lower canal while boats and water remain safely contained above.

Location: Salford

Location: Trafford

Official opening: 1894

Length: 101 m

Length: 101 m

Part of: Barton Bridge, Barton Aqueduct and Control Tower

GPS coordinates: 53.47480,-2.35210

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29