Abstract: A pivoting gate (10) is disclosed which has a rectangular gate frame (11) which is rotated about a horizontal axis by a gate operator (12) from a horizontal closed position to a vertical open position. The torque about the pivot axis is counterbalanced by an opening tension spring (28) when the center of gravity of the gate frame (11) is over the closed position of the gate, and is counterbalanced by one or more closing tension springs (22) when the center of gravity is past the pivot axis and is over the open position of the gate. The closing tension springs (22) are connected to the gate frame at one end and are so attached to the gate operator at their other ends that they will slide freely while the gate is opening but will be held to stretch and apply a counterbalancing torque to the gate frame when its center of gravity is past the pivot axis.