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Engineering work · Eccles, England
Barton Swing Aqueduct
A rotating aqueduct from 1894 that carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal. To allow ships to pass, the water-filled channel rotates on an island in the middle of the canal.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Barton Swing Aqueduct
The Barton Swing Aqueduct carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal at Barton upon Irwell, next to Eccles. When a larger ship needs to pass along the Ship Canal, the central section of the aqueduct — a metal trough filled with water — is sealed at the ends and swings on a pivot on an island in the middle of the canal to open the way.
The work was designed by engineer Edward Leader Williams. The first barge crossed in August 1893, and the aqueduct opened to commercial traffic on 1 January 1894. It replaced the stone aqueduct built by James Brindley in 1761 for the Bridgewater Canal’s first crossing of the River Irwell, which had to be demolished for the opening of the Ship Canal.
Beside it is the Barton Road Swing Bridge, a road swing bridge from the same period, and both are operated from a tower on the central island. The ensemble is protected as a Grade II* listed heritage site.
For visitors, the attraction is seeing the structure up close and watching pleasure boats pass along the canal. The swing only occurs when a larger vessel passes, which is infrequent.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour to see the aqueduct, the bridge and the control tower from the banks.
Best time
During daytime, when there are more pleasure boats on the Bridgewater Canal. The aqueduct’s swing depends on ships passing the Ship Canal and does not follow a fixed schedule.
How to get there
It is at Barton upon Irwell, about 2 km from Eccles town centre. You can walk along the Bridgewater Canal or take a local bus to Barton Road.
Tip
The Eccles-side bank, near the Barton Road Swing Bridge, provides the best view of the aqueduct and the control tower.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Barton Swing Aqueduct
How does the Barton swing aqueduct work?
The central trough, filled with water, is closed by gates at the ends and pivots on a pier on an island in the middle of the Manchester Ship Canal, allowing ships to pass. It then returns to position and the Bridgewater Canal continues across.
When was the Barton swing aqueduct built?
It was completed in 1893 and opened to commercial traffic on January 1, 1894, replacing James Brindley’s 1761 stone aqueduct.
Can you see the aqueduct swing?
Only when a larger ship passes along the Ship Canal, which has no fixed schedule. Even when stationary, you can see the structure and the boats that cross over it.