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 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 • Dec. 26, 2023

City staff also designated a freight detour west of the Duwamish River, along West Marginal Way Southwest, where Port of Seattle workers and truckers can reach Terminal 5 without using the swing bridge.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2023

Last week’s derailment happened as the train was headed toward a BNSF-controlled swing bridge over the Swinomish Channel, a waterway connecting Skagit and Padilla bays from south to north.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2023

“The swing bridge is about to open,” said Mom.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn