Merchant Square Footbridge

51°31′07″N 0°10′19″W / 51.5187°N 0.1719°W / 51.5187; -0.1719CarriesPedestriansCrossesGrand Union CanalLocaleMerchant Square (a development of six buildings)OwnerEuropean LandCharacteristicsDesignLongitudinal segmented bascule with counterweightsMaterialSteel segments, concrete, hydraulic actuators, stainless steel handrails with LED downlightingTotal length20 metres (66 ft)Width3 metres (9.8 ft)No. of spans1Load limitPedestrianClearance above2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) at mid-channelHistoryArchitectKnight ArchitectsEngineering design byAKT II (structural); Eadon Consulting (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical)Constructed byMaceConstruction end2014LocationReferenceshttp://www.archdaily.com/553405/merchant-square-footbridge-knight-architects

The Merchant Square Footbridge (also known as The Fan Bridge) is a moveable pedestrian bridge spanning a canal in Paddington, London. It is composed of five side-by side sections of varying lengths, with offset pivots to accommodate the varying lengths. When opened, the segments are brought to varying angles of elevation. The visual effect when opened has been likened to that of a Japanese fan.^{[citation needed]}

Not to be confused with the Fan Bridge which crosses Holland Brook (formerly known as the Holland River) between Little Clacton and Great Holland in Essex (UK) (OS Grid Ref: TM 19710 18667 / Latitude 51°49'24"N Longitude 1°11'12"E). This was the lowest crossing-point until the Gunfleet estuary was reclaimed in the 1700s.^[1][2]

See also

• List of bridges in London
• Moveable bridges for a list of other moveable bridge types
• The Rolling Bridge

References

External links

• Architecture Daily Website