When they were constructed, canals often bifurcated farms or cut ancient footpaths and bridleways. Lift bridges were then provided to allow continued access either side of the canal, with farmers able to move cattle, sheep or other animals and farm machinery as necessary. Occasionally, a lift bridge carries a road across the canal, which can require careful exercise of patience on the part of the canal and road-users! Given the relative speed of travel (3mph and 35mph respectively) this can be interesting!
It really does look better on black (click the photo).
