Moray Bridge, Swing bridge in Richmond, Canada
Moray Bridge is a low-level two-lane swing bridge over the Moray Channel of the Fraser River's Middle Arm, linking Lulu Island (Richmond) with Sea Island (Vancouver International Airport). Its steel and concrete centre swing span measures 53 metres, with approaches of 170 metres on Lulu Island and 124 metres on Sea Island. A small tender house attached to the western approach houses the operator who opens the span for boats.
The bridge opened in 1957 to replace an earlier crossing and meet growing traffic demands between the airport and Richmond. It was named after Jonathan Moray, a Royal Engineer who later served as a police official in the region.
The channel and bridge carry the name of Jonathan Moray (1824–84), a Royal Engineers sergeant who later became New Westminster's police chief; Richard Moody named local features after acquaintances. Until the Dinsmore Bridge opened in 1969, this was the only crossing of the Middle Arm, so a stuck span in 1961 stranded traffic for hours and delayed airport flights.
The bridge handles peak traffic from the airport to Richmond, so expect congestion during busy times. Visitors can walk across and watch the center span operate from nearby viewing areas when it opens for passing vessels.
Before the Dinsmore Bridge opened in 1969, the Moray Bridge was the only crossing of the Middle Arm. When its swing span failed, as it did twice in 1961, traffic was trapped for hours and some airport flights were delayed by the missing passengers and crew.
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