Aber Swing Bridge, Pedestrian swing bridge in Caernarfon, Wales.
The Aber Swing Bridge is a pedestrian crossing made of steel and concrete that spans the River Seiont, connecting the Watergate entrance of Caernarfon Castle to Aber Foreshore. Its design allows the entire structure to pivot to the side, enabling boats to navigate through.
The bridge in its current form was built in 1970, replacing an earlier version from 1900 that had itself replaced a traditional ferry service. This progression shows how transportation between the castle and waterfront evolved over time.
The bridge carries the Welsh name Pont yr Aber, reflecting the region's strong Welsh identity and connection to local traditions. This naming shows how the place is rooted in Welsh language and heritage that residents and visitors encounter daily.
The bridge operates with an electrical mechanism that allows it to pivot for boat traffic, providing a direct walking route between the castle and waterfront. Keep in mind that access may be temporarily blocked when the bridge opens for river traffic.
The bridge features a mechanism that allows the entire structure to open sideways, an unusual solution for accommodating both pedestrians and boats in one location. This engineering approach was not commonly used across Britain, making it a distinctive example of mid-20th century practical design.
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