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Media City Footbridge facts for kids

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MediaCityUK Footbridge
Salford quays swing bridge.jpg
MediaCityUK Footbridge at night
Coordinates 53°28′17″N 2°18′00″W / 53.4713°N 2.3001°W / 53.4713; -2.3001
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.

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Media City Footbridge Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.