Giżycko swing bridge
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The Giżycko swing bridge crosses the Kanał Giżycki ( German Lötzen Canal ) in Giżycko ( German Lötzen ) in Poland . It is one of the city's attractions in the Masurian Lake District .
location
The bridge is part of the road that connects the fortress Boyen ( Polish Twierdza Boyen ) with the center of Giżycko. It leads over the Kanał Łuczański, which connects the Kisajno , the southernmost lake of the Mamry ( German Mauersee ), with the Niegocin ( German Löwentinsee ).
history
The construction of canals in the then East Prussian Masuria and the use of the canals by steamships led to the construction of the Lötzen swing bridge in the 1950s . A first construction consisted of two bridge elements that were turned on their sides to allow ships to pass the canal. On September 4, 1859, this bridge collapsed due to overloading.
In the following years a new technical solution was sought. In 1889 engineers from the Bechelt company from Grünberg constructed a new bridge, which now consisted of a 20 m long and 8 m wide movable bridge yoke. The element, which weighs more than 100 t, could be turned manually to one side of the canal by a bridge operator. This was made possible by a corresponding leverage ratio.
The bridge today
1960 to 1970 the bridge was modernized and equipped with an electrical system. The result of this modernization was severe damage to the quay. As a result, a pioneer bridge was built on the former bridge. In 1993 the swing bridge was reopened. Since then it has been operated by hand by a bridge guide at set times during the day. The opening takes about five minutes. Boats can then pass the canal alternately in both directions for half an hour.
Web links
Coordinates: 54 ° 2 ′ 9.3 " N , 21 ° 45 ′ 38" E