Prince Street Bridge is a

swing bridge A swing bridge (or swing span bridge) is a movable bridge that has as its primary structural support a vertical locating pin and support ring, usually at or near to its center of gravity, about which the swing span (turning span) can then pi ...

across

Bristol Harbour Bristol Harbour is the harbour in the city of Bristol, England. The harbour covers an area of . It is the former natural tidal river Avon through the city but was made into its current form in 1809 when the tide was prevented from going out per ...

. It is now Grade II

listed Listed may refer to: * Listed, Bornholm, a fishing village on the Danish island of Bornholm * Listed (MMM program), a television show on MuchMoreMusic * Endangered species in biology * Listed building, in architecture, designation of a historicall ...

. The bridge carries a road from Prince Street to Wapping Road and is located between the

Arnolfini Arnolfini is an international arts centre and gallery in Bristol, England. It has a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, artist's performance, music and dance events, poetry and book readings, talks, lectures and cinema. There is also a ...

art centre and M Shed museum. The iron swing bridge was built in 1879 on the site of the ancient Gib ferry owned by the Dean and Chapter of Bristol Cathedral. It replaced a previous bridge built in 1809. In the 19th century tolls were charged for traffic over the bridge, with the toll house being burnt during the

Bristol Riots The Bristol riots refer to a number of significant riots in the city of Bristol in England. Bristol Bridge riot, 1793 In 1794 the populace of Bristol were said to be "apt to collect in mobs on the slightest occasions; but have been seldom so spi ...

of 1831. The swing bridge is operated by water hydraulic power provided by the adjacent engine house and accumulator tower. Repair work led to the closure of the bridge between 2015 and 2017. Fewer than 2,000 motor vehicle movements now cross the bridge per day using one side, whilst over 24,000 pedestrians and cyclists use the other. This has led pressure groups to call for the bridge to be closed to cars permanently.

References

External links

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Video of bridge swing
{{Transport in Bristol Bristol Harbourside Bridges in Bristol Bridges completed in 1879 Former toll bridges in England Grade II listed buildings in Bristol Grade II listed bridges 1879 establishments in England