Poland’s only movable railway bridge still in use

The paper presents a bascule span railway bridge which is the only one in service in Poland. The movable structure is still in use despite over 70 years’ service life. Originally the bridge was constructed for a double track but the bridge spans were blown up at the end of the Second World War. After the war, the bridge was rebuilt using parts from the damaged spans but only for one track. However, the original form of the bridge was retained during reconstruction, with only small parts of the machinery and installation requiring replacement. The bascule span has been in operation since then with only minor repairs. None of the machinery, mechanical transmission, stabilising elements, mechanical parts for locking and unlocking the railroad or other parts of the bascule span has been modernised, and all still retain their original function and operation. As a result, this bascule span is unique in Poland and Europe.