Old Quay Bridge

Old Quay Bridge is a swing bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal, built around 1894. It features a steel segmented arched rivetted structure with a lattice parapet, built-up stanchions, cross braces, and high-level bracing across the carriageway. The bridge is operated from the south bank using a hydraulic system that involves three slate-roofed red brick buildings: the Engine House, which contains two Crossley diesel engines and pumps (with one set always in reserve), the Accumulator Tower, which houses a large gravitational piston, and the Control Building. These buildings have blue brick plinths and arches, stone heads and window sills, timber windows, and hipped roofs.