We are thrilled that the Lille Langebro Swing Bridge has won yet another award!

The 160m long, pedestrian and cycle double swing bridge in Copenhagen has been recognised by the IABSE in Denmark with its Structural Award for 2021.

We worked together with Buro Happold, Wilkinson Eyre and Niras to produce the design of this architecturally striking and technically challenging bridge. Our role was to produce the detailed concept design of the operating equipment which allowed the architectural vision to be realised whilst also ensuring that the operating equipment, used to control the two central moving decks, is reliable and maintainable.

The two moving spans are mounted on large diameter slewing bearings which have integral teeth. These teeth engage with pinions, driven by four 15kW electric motor gearbox units, resulting in the span rotation. The bridge operating cycle takes 109 seconds to open and 144 seconds to close.

A key area of innovation is the moment connection at the joint between the two moving spans. The connection allows the structure to be kept very shallow and slender in elevation – true to the architect’s vision – whilst also allowing the bridge to thermally expand and contract.

We’re very proud to have been part of this project which has already won the Award for best Footbridge or lightweight structure as well as the joint Supreme Award for Excellence in Engineering at the IStructE 2021 Awards.

It has also recently been shortlisted for a RIBA International Prize 2021.