The Leamington Lift Bridge crosses the Union Canal between Leamington Road and Gilmore Park in W Central Edinburgh. This unusual bridge was originally built across Fountainbridge in 1906 by Armstrong-Whitworth of Newcastle, replacing a lift-bridge dating from 1869. It was moved to its present position, where it took the place of an old wooden draw-bridge, after the canal was cut back to Lochrin Basin in 1922, removing a pinch-point on the main road. The bridge comprises a riveted steel framework with a wooden deck that is raised by four cables driven by electrical motors and enclosed within four corner columns. Counterbalance weights are contained within the larger columns at the southern end. There is a clearance of 9 feet (2.7 m) for boats to pass beneath when the deck is raised. The name 'Leamington Bridge' inscribed in large white letters high on the steel-work.
The bridge fell from use in the 1960s but was restored to operation as part of the Union Canal Millennium Link project in 2002. Further repairs, maintenance and structural work was undertaken in 2019 by Cumbernauld-based AmcoGiffen to ensure its continued operation. The bridge is no longer open to cars but forms a vital link on the National Cycle Network and the John Muir Way. There is a lattice girder footbridge alongside that allows pedestrians to cross when the deck is raised.
