Vauxhall Bridge

Vauxhall Bridge is a cast iron footbridge spanning the New Cut of the River Avon in Bristol, linking two neighborhoods with a walkway about 11 feet (3.3 meters) wide. The structure stretches approximately 270 feet (82 meters) and demonstrates early bridge-building techniques.

Originally this site had a ferry crossing, which was replaced by the bridge in 1900. The movable middle section was engineered to allow ships through, but this function ended in 1936 when river traffic ceased.

The bridge shows how Bristol's engineers built things to last, combining practical function with careful craftsmanship visible in its cast iron details. Passersby can observe the solid construction methods that workers of that era valued and applied throughout the city.

The bridge is currently closed for repair work, so pedestrians cannot cross here at the moment. Visitors should check the current status before planning a visit or use alternative routes to connect these neighborhoods.

The middle section was designed to swing open for ship passage, with roughly 158 feet of the structure engineered to move. This mechanism has not been operated in over 80 years but remains a fascinating feature of its original design.