Barton Swing Aqueduct

Barton Swing Aqueduct
The aqueduct in the closed position
Coordinates53°28′29″N 2°21′08″W / 53.4748°N 2.3521°W / 53.4748; -2.3521
OS grid referenceSJ767976
CarriesBridgewater Canal
CrossesManchester Ship Canal
LocaleBarton upon Irwell
Characteristics
Total length330 feet (101 m)
Traversable?Only narrowboats
TowpathsNone
No. of spansTwo (Central Pivot)
History
DesignerSir Edward Leader Williams
Construction end1893
Opened1894
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameBarton Bridge, Barton Aqueduct and Control Tower
Designated29 June 1987
Reference no.1356522
Location
Map

The Barton Swing Aqueduct is a moveable navigable aqueduct in Barton upon Irwell, Greater Manchester, England. It carries the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal. The swinging action allows large vessels using the ship canal to pass through and smaller craft, both narrowboats and broad-beam barges, to cross over the top. The aqueduct, the first and only swing aqueduct in the world,[1] is a Grade II* listed building,[2] and considered a major feat of Victorian civil engineering.[2][3] Designed by Sir Edward Leader Williams and built by Andrew Handyside and Company of Derby, the swing bridge opened in 1894 and remains in regular use.[4]

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  4. ^ "Barton Swing Aqueduct". Engineering Timelines. Retrieved 28 January 2017.