Scale Lane Bridge: a unique new crossing of the River Hull

The innovative new swing bridge over the River Hull opened to the public in June 2013, having been selected as the winner of an international design competition in 2006. The new pedestrian/cycle bridge connects Hull’s city centre to the under-developed east bank and provides a new route connecting cultural attractions.

The design focuses on creating a memorable place for people to enjoy the riverscape. It includes a series of generous public spaces and routes over the river and at each bank. It also gives people the unique experience of being able to ride on the moving bridge while it rotates.

This paper describes the context, design intentions, structural and mechanical design and the construction process for the new bridge.