Twin Sails

A double-leaved bascule bridge, such as the Twin Sails Bridge in Dorset, England, has single or double spans, or leaves, that may be lowered and raised to allow clearance for boats. It's not a particularly original bridge design because bascule bridges are common throughout Europe; the Tower Bridge in London is another example.

But what makes it special is how its leaves are shaped. Twin Sails is the first triangular-leaved bascule bridge in the world; its leaves are triangular rather than the typical rectangular design. The entire structure resembles the sails of two enormous yachts passing one other on the open seas when it is open to maritime traffic. However, while it is closed, it can be challenging to distinguish the bridge from other nearby bridges.

The Backwater Channel, which connects Holes Bay and Poole Harbour, is crossed by the bridge. The bridge and approach roads are connected to urban feeder roads in the west and to the intersection of West Quay Road in the east.

• Total length: 139-metre (456 ft)
• Designer: N/A

Rating: N/A

Location: Twin Sails Bridge, Poole, the UK