Swing Bridge, Manual swing bridge in downtown Belize City, Belize

The Swing Bridge is a low, flat swing bridge over Haulover Creek in downtown Belize City, linking the north and south sides. Its deck rests on dark cylindrical piers in the water, and a blue-and-white railing with scrollwork runs along the edge. The side panel is striped blue and reddish-orange, and the bridge pivots horizontally to let boats pass.

The bridge was built in Liverpool and installed in 1923, replacing a series of wooden bridges that had stood at this crossing since the mid-1800s. It was put in place as the city grew and needed a more durable connection across the creek.

Four people operate the bridge by turning hand cranks, a method that has stayed the same for generations in the city. Visitors can watch the process up close and see how a working mechanism runs without any modern technology.

The bridge is open to foot traffic and sits in the center of Belize City, making it easy to reach on foot. The swing itself only happens on request these days, so seeing it rotate is not guaranteed during a short visit.

The bridge was shipped from Liverpool and assembled in 1923; a Chinese-funded replacement sent in 1989 was turned back because Belize had just recognised Taiwan. Look for the riveted, rust-streaked side panels and the blue-and-white railing along the walkway.