The Most Popular Movable Bridge, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the movable bridge you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:44
In a world where bridges are not only vital connections but also marvels of engineering, the popularity of movable bridges remains a topic of fascination. These bridges, which lift, swing, or retract to allow the passage of boat traffic, represent an intriguing intersection of functionality and ingenuity. Ranking them helps highlight the most cherished examples, showcasing engineering feats and beloved landmarks in communities across the globe.
By participating in the ranking of these extraordinary structures, users contribute their preferences and celebrate the architectural brilliance behind these designs. This interactive ranking offers a unique way for enthusiasts and locals alike to assert their opinions, potentially influencing which bridges gain recognition or even support for preservation and maintenance efforts. Your votes help paint a clearer picture of which movable bridges resonate most with people around the world.
What Is the Most Popular Movable Bridge?
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147votes
Barcex · CC BY-SA 3.0Located in London, Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic movable bridges in the world, with its distinctive towers and Victorian Gothic style. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of London.Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in London, England. It is a combined bascule and suspension bridge that spans the River Thames. The bridge is known for its distinct architecture and its ability to open and accommodate river traffic.- Location: The bridge is located close to the Tower of London in central London.
- Construction Period: The construction of Tower Bridge began in 1886 and was completed in 1894.
- Length: The total length of the bridge is 244 meters (800 feet).
- Height: The height of the towers is 65 meters (213 feet).
- Tower Dimensions: Each tower has a width of 22.5 meters (74 feet).
Tower Bridge in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Truss Bridge
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247votesThis suspension bridge in San Francisco is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. It was completed in 1937 and has been a popular tourist destination ever since.The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge located in San Francisco, California. It is known for its distinctive orange color and unique design. Spanning across the Golden Gate Strait, the bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County. It has become one of California's most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the city.
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Type: Suspension bridge
- Total Length: 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers)
- Width: 90 feet (27 meters)
- Height: 746 feet (227 meters)
Golden Gate Bridge in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular attraction in California
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Truss Bridge
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313votes
Photograph by Greg O'Beirne · CC BY 2.5The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic steel arch bridge in Sydney, Australia. It is the world's largest steel arch bridge, and is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city.The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic movable bridge located in Sydney, Australia. It is a steel through arch bridge that spans across Sydney Harbour, connecting the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The bridge is an important part of the city's skyline, and it is primarily used for road and pedestrian traffic.- Type: Movable bridge
- Bridge Design: Steel through arch
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Span Length: 1,149 meters (3,770 feet)
- Height: 134 meters (440 feet)
Sydney Harbour Bridge in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular place in Sydney
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Truss Bridge
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413votesThe Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge in New York City that spans the East River. It is one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in the United States, and is a popular tourist attraction.The Brooklyn Bridge is a iconic suspension bridge that spans the East River in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable bridges in the United States, serving as a symbol of New York City.
- Location: New York City, United States
- Type: Suspension bridge
- Construction start: January 3, 1870
- Construction completion: May 24, 1883
- Total length: 5,989 feet (1,825 meters)
Brooklyn Bridge in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular bridge in New York
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Truss Bridge
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512votes
Calips · CC BY-SA 3.0Bascule Bridge
Joseph Baermann StraussBascule bridges are a type of movable bridge that use a counterweight to raise and lower a section of the bridge. They are commonly used in ports and harbors around the world.A Bascule Bridge is a type of movable bridge that utilizes a counterweight system to lift a span or section of the bridge vertically. This allows the bridge to provide passage for boats and ships by raising the roadway to create an opening for vessels to pass underneath.- Mechanism: Counterweight system
- Operation: Vertically lifting span
- Purpose: Allow passage for boats and ships
- Types: Single-leaf bascule bridge, double-leaf bascule bridge
- Design: Steel truss or concrete deck
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610votesA drawbridge is a type of movable bridge that uses a mechanism to lift or swing a section of the bridge to allow boats or ships to pass underneath. They are commonly used in smaller waterways and canals.A drawbridge is a type of movable bridge that consists of a horizontal deck supported by piers or towers on each end and can be raised or lowered to allow for the passage of ships or vehicles. It typically has a section called a 'draw span' that is pivoted or hinged at one end and can be raised or lowered using either a counterweight system or hydraulic mechanisms.
- Mechanism: Counterweight or hydraulic system
- Movement: Vertical, raising or lowering
- Deck material: Wood, steel or concrete
- Span length: Varies, typically between 20 to 200 feet
- Weight capacity: Varies, typically up to several hundred tons
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79votes
Radler59 (talk) · CC BY-SA 4.0Lift Bridge
Enoch ClarkA lift bridge is a type of movable bridge that uses a mechanism to raise and lower a section of the bridge to allow boats or ships to pass underneath. They are commonly used in ports and harbors around the world.A Lift Bridge is a type of movable bridge that uses a counterweight system to vertically lift a span to allow for the passage of water traffic beneath it. This type of bridge is commonly used in areas with high water traffic or where vertical clearance is necessary.- Construction Material: Steel or concrete
- Span Length: Variable, typically between 100 to 600 feet
- Maximum Vertical Clearance: Can vary, but often around 100 feet
- Counterweight System: Uses counterweights to balance the weight of the lifted span
- Mechanism: Lifting mechanism can be hydraulic, electrical or mechanical
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84votes
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer unknown · Public domainA pontoon bridge is a type of floating bridge that uses pontoons or floating platforms to support the bridge deck. They are commonly used in military operations and for temporary crossings.A pontoon bridge is a type of movable bridge that is supported by a series of floating pontoons or boats. It is designed to allow for the passage of vehicles, pedestrians, or both, over a body of water. The pontoon bridge can be temporary or permanent in nature. Its main advantage is its mobility and versatility, as it can be quickly installed and removed as needed.- Span Length: Can vary based on the specific design, with some pontoon bridges reaching lengths of several hundred meters.
- Carrying Capacity: Capable of supporting heavy vehicles such as tanks and trucks, with typical load capacities ranging from 20 to 50 tons.
- Installation Time: Can be installed within a few hours or days, depending on the size and complexity of the bridge.
- Materials: Common materials include steel, aluminum, wood, and various types of floats or pontoons.
- Movability: Pontoon bridges can be easily dismantled and relocated to other locations as required.
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98votesA swing bridge is a type of movable bridge that uses a pivot or hinge to swing a section of the bridge to allow boats or ships to pass underneath. They are commonly used in smaller waterways and canals.The Swing Bridge is a type of movable bridge that operates by swinging horizontally to allow passage for watercrafts. It consists of a pivot at one end and can rotate around that point, creating a clear passage underneath for ships and boats. The Swing Bridge is a popular choice for locations with low levels of traffic and limited space for other types of bridges.
- Type: Movable bridge
- Movement: Swinging horizontally
- Pivot: Located at one end
- Clearance: Provides a clear passage underneath
- Usage: Designed for watercrafts
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103votesA tilt bridge is a type of movable bridge that uses a mechanism to tilt a section of the bridge to allow boats or ships to pass underneath. They are commonly used in ports and harbors around the world.The Tilt Bridge is a movable bridge that is known for its unique tilting mechanism. It is designed to allow waterway traffic to pass underneath while accommodating the needs of road traffic.
- Type: Movable Bridge
- Mechanism: Tilting
- Purpose: Allowing waterway traffic to pass underneath
- Function: Accommodating road traffic
- Common Usage: Urban areas with limited clearance for conventional bridge designs
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Ranking factors for popular movable bridge
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Type of movable bridgeMovable bridges come in various types, such as bascule, vertical-lift, swing, and retractable. The popularity of a movable bridge may depend on the type and its functionality in the given location.
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Frequency of useThe number of times the bridge moves or opens to allow the passage of water traffic.
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Historic or cultural significanceSome movable bridges may be popular due to their historic or cultural value.
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Aesthetic appealThe design and appearance of the bridge can also contribute to its popularity.
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Engineering and technological innovationUnique or advanced engineering features and methods used in the construction and operation of the bridge can add to its popularity.
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Size and lengthLarger or longer movable bridges often garner more attention and popularity.
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LocationThe prominence of the area where the bridge is located, as well as nearby cities or tourist attractions, can influence its popularity.
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Media exposureBridges that have been featured in movies, television shows, or other media outlets may be more well-known and popular.
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Accessibility and pedestrian experienceThe ease of access and usability of the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists can contribute to its popularity.
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Environmental and economic impactMovable bridges that minimize their impact on the surrounding environment and waterway traffic, or generate economic benefits, may be considered more popular.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular movable bridge. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bridge is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1592 views
- 167 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bridge once every 24 hours. The rank of each bridge is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular movable bridge
Movable bridges are a fascinating engineering marvel that have been around for centuries. These bridges have the ability to move and allow ships and boats to pass through, making them an essential element for waterway transportation. Over the years, movable bridges have evolved and taken on various forms, from simple drawbridges to complex vertical lift bridges.
With so many different types of movable bridges in existence, it can be challenging to determine which one is the most popular. Several factors come into play when ranking the popularity of a movable bridge, including its historical significance, architectural design, and current usage. Some of the most notable movable bridges around the world include the Tower Bridge in London, the Bascule Bridge in Amsterdam, and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
Regardless of their shape or size, movable bridges continue to captivate people's imaginations with their intricate mechanisms and iconic designs. As we look towards the future, it's exciting to imagine what new innovations and technologies may be incorporated into these engineering marvels, further cementing their status as one of the most fascinating and important types of bridges in the world.
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