Barra Strait Bridge, Steel girder bridge in Cape Breton Island, Canada.
Barra Strait Bridge is a steel structure with two movable leaves that spans across the water channel. The system allows the middle sections to raise upward for ships to pass while the rest of the roadway remains available for vehicle traffic.
Construction of this structure took place between 1987 and 1993, replacing a ferry service that had operated since the middle of the 1800s. This project marked a major change in how the two sides of the water channel were connected.
The bridge connects two separate communities on the island and serves both car drivers and boat operators throughout the year. During summer months, you regularly see sailboats and fishing vessels passing beneath the raised span.
Visitors should know that the structure regularly raises during warmer months to allow boat traffic, which can create wait times for drivers. It helps to be prepared for possible delays when traveling during the navigation season.
The middle sections of the bridge can move independently from each other, allowing for an asymmetrical opening pattern. This double-leaf design is technically demanding and requires precise coordination for safe operations.
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