The swing bridge of Arquennes

The Arquennes swing bridge is a curiosity in its own right. It is a metal structure dating from 1832, which includes a pedestrian bridge and a cart bridge. The bridge, accessible by stairs, is made up of two arched metal beams. The floor is located at mid-height, which allows sufficient clearance for the passage of navigation. The bridge is of the swing type, that is to say, it pivots around a vertical axis located in the middle of the canal. Its central part rests on a round pier equipped with a pivot that controls the rotation, leaving a passage for boats on both sides. The whole structure, damaged during the 1940 war, was restored and classified by Royal Decree of November 7, 1978.

The swing bridges swiveled and aligned in the direction of the canal to allow free passage for boats. They were exclusively operated by human energy. Inserting a crank into the center of the bridge, the bridge operator activates a toothed wheel which moves around a fixed crown.

As soon as the bridge starts to rotate, it rests solely on a bronze pivot measuring 10 cm in diameter. The rotating bridge is therefore an astonishing example of balance.

Nice view of Draaiburg d'Arquennes ......