Media City Footbridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MediaCityUK Footbridge |
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MediaCityUK Footbridge at night
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| Coordinates | 53°28′17″N 2°18′00″W / 53.4713°N 2.3001°W |
| Carries | Pedestrians |
| Crosses | Manchester Ship Canal |
| Locale | MediaCityUK, Salford Quays |
| Other name(s) | Salford Quays Swing Bridge |
| Owner | Peel Group |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Cable-stay swing bridge |
| Material | Steel |
| Total length | 83 metres (272 ft) |
| Width | 6–19 metres (20–62 ft) |
| Height | 31 metres (102 ft) |
| Longest span | 65 metres (213 ft) |
| Number of spans | 2 |
| Piers in water | 1 |
| Clearance above | 48 metres (157 ft) |
| Clearance below | 4.77 metres (15.6 ft) |
| History | |
| Architect | Wilkinson Eyre |
| Designer | Gifford (structure), Pinniger (lighting) |
| Engineering design by | Bennett Associates (Atkins) KGAL |
| Constructed by | Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd |
| Fabrication by | Rowecord Engineering |
| Construction begin | September 2009 |
| Construction end | 2011 |
| Construction cost | £11 million |
| Opened | 2011 |
The MediaCityUK Footbridge is a special bridge that swings open. It crosses the Manchester Ship Canal right next to MediaCityUK. This amazing bridge was finished in 2011.
It was designed by companies called Gifford and Wilkinson Eyre.
What the Bridge Does
This bridge is for people walking. It connects MediaCityUK with the Imperial War Museum North. This museum is on the other side of the canal.
How the Bridge Works
The MediaCityUK Footbridge is a type of swing bridge. This means it can turn to let boats pass underneath. It swings about 71 degrees. This creates a wide path for ships, about 48 metres (157 ft) across.
Key Facts and Figures
- The bridge is very heavy, weighing 450 tonnes.
- It has two main sections, or spans. These are 65 metres (213 ft) and 18 metres (59 ft) long.
- The main part of the bridge is made from strong steel.
- Eight tall, thin steel poles help hold up the bridge.
Building the Bridge
The bridge was built by a company called Balfour Beatty. The steel parts were made by Rowecord Engineering. The part of the bridge that swings sits on a strong concrete base. This base is 13 metres (43 ft) wide.
