Movetech UK develops bridge mechanism

Movetech UK has designed and built a gear mechanism for a swing-bridge installation at the Wild Bird Discovery Centre at the RSPB's Saltholme International Nature Reserve.

The pedestrian bridge provides extra security for the visitor centre while creating an added attraction for visitors to the site.

‘The centre is in quite a remote location and while vehicular access is controlled through a security gate, we needed something to partially isolate the building at night,’ said Tony Reynolds, project architect.

‘In keeping with the centre's sustainable design principles it also needed to fit into the natural landscape.

‘We came up with the swing-bridge concept and, working with Movetech UK, we designed and installed a hand-operated turntable mechanism, which requires minimal maintenance but is robust enough to swing the bridge back onto the land in the evening when the centre is closed.

‘Movetech UK's advice on the gear mechanism and the feasibility of the design has been key to the bridge's success,’ he added.

The mechanism for the 6m-long bridge was built by Movetech UK to withstand a salt-laden atmosphere as the site is close to the sea.

Crossing a man-made water course, the bridge is cantilevered from one end so that it rotates 90deg from the building's bank to provide the extra security needed for the centre.

Movetech UK's ability to provide solutions to complex materials handling and logistics problems is drawn from its experience of turntable design and manufacture, combined with expertise in Hovair air film technology and Jung heavy-duty lifting and moving equipment.

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