Redcliffe Bridge, Bristol

Redcliffe Bridge is a road crossing over the Floating Harbour in central Bristol with a movable central section for vessels to pass underneath. The lifting mechanism raises the middle span to allow tall ships through while serving pedestrians and vehicles on this key route across the water.

The bridge opened in 1938 and was rebuilt in 1942 following damage from wartime bombing. This reconstruction reflects how the city's infrastructure recovered during the post-war years.

The bridge links the Redcliffe district to the city center and forms part of the everyday landscape that connects different parts of Bristol.

The bridge is open daily to pedestrians and vehicles under normal conditions and is straightforward to cross. Occasional maintenance on the lifting mechanism may cause temporary interruptions to traffic flow.

The lifting mechanism remained in a fixed position for many years until January 2021, when it performed a rare raising operation. This unusual event reminded people of the bridge's original function that had long been dormant.

Location: Bristol

GPS coordinates: 51.44953,-2.59194

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10