Scale Lane swing bridge

The first footbridge of its kind in the world to allow people to ride on it while it opens, the Scale Lane footbridge was officially opened by former Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor Nadine Fudge and Boulton from Homes and Communities Agency on Friday 28 June 2013.

The Scale Lane swing bridge links Scale Lane with Tower Street, creating a unique pedestrian route between the city's museums in the historic Old Town and The Deep Submarium as well as accommodating river traffic, and is the only moving bridge in the world where people can stay on it as it swings open.

The iconic footbridge has won many prestigious national and international awards, including -

  • World Architecture News Transport Award
  • Civic Trust Award
  • Civic Trust Special Award for Community Impact and Engagement
  • World Architecture Festival Transport Award
  • Living Waterways Award
  • RIBA Yorkshire Award
  • Hull Civic Society Award

It has been widely published in books and press around the world.

The design was praised in the Observer which said it was a ‘destination in its own right’. It is listed by the Architectural Digest (USA) as one of ‘Worlds 20 Most Impressive Bridges’

The Scale Lane swing bridge is part of a cycle route, through winter the bridge will only open if there is a boat passing through.

Below is a list of who is permitted and not permitted to use the swing bridge.

Permitted -

  • cyclists
  • pedestrians

Not permitted -

  • cars
  • motorbikes 
  • mopeds
  • any similar vehicle