swing bridge

American  

noun

1. a bridge that can open by pivoting on a central pier to let vessels pass.

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swing bridge British  

noun

1. Also called: pivot bridge.   turn bridge.  a low bridge that can be rotated about a vertical axis, esp to permit the passage of ships Compare drawbridge

2. a pedestrian bridge over a river, suspended by heavy wire cables

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Etymology

Origin of swing bridge

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

The railroad crosses sensitive marine ecosystems using a swing bridge over the Swinomish Channel and a trestle across Padilla Bay within the reservation.

From Seattle Times

After descending, riders can turn back, pedal to Alki Beach, or loop all the way around West Seattle, returning to Sodo via Pigeon Hill back roads and the low West Seattle swing bridge.

From Seattle Times

The railroad easement crosses sensitive marine ecosystems over a swing bridge at the Swinomish Channel and a trestle across Padilla Bay within the reservation.

From Seattle Times

The Seattle Department of Transportation managed to return traffic to its lower West Seattle swing bridge by midday Tuesday, far sooner than its target of completing drawspan repairs on Saturday.

From Seattle Times

The lower Spokane Street swing bridge to West Seattle will close Saturday until Oct.

From Seattle Times