The present disclosure relates to a gate system for an overhead lifting rail system, comprising: a first gate comprising: a rail portion for supporting a lifting carriage; and a bridging element pivotally coupled adjacent a proximal end to the rail portion; and a second gate comprising: a rail portion for suspending a lifting carriage; and a bridging element support portion. Upon the first gate engaging with the second gate, a distal end of the bridging element of the first gate engages with the bridging element support portion of the second gate to form a bridge between the first gate and the second gate; and the distal end of the bridging element and the bridging element support portion are configured such that the ends of the bridging element are substantially aligned with the respective ends of the rail portions of the first and second gates.