Stanley Dock,Bascule Bridge.

The term 'Bascule' is derived from the French word for a see-saw - 'Bacule'. A bascule bridge is one in which the deck or roadway can be raised around a horizontal hinge or axis.
At the western end of Stanley Dock, the dock road crosses this bascule bridge. The bridge was raised by rocking back under the weight of water-filled counterbalances to allow ships to enter the dock. It does not need to be lifted to allow canal boats to pass, which is just as well, as it is not currently in working order.
The bridge was built in the late 19th century at a time when the docks were undergoing radical changes and refurbishment.
Visited with Georgie (cheers m8) in March 2010 before restoration began and we managed to get rare access to the control room for a great explore.

 

 How it looks today after restoration.