Vauxhall Bridge, Bristol

Vauxhall Bridge
Coordinates51°26′47″N 2°36′42″W / 51.44639°N 2.61167°W / 51.44639; -2.61167
CarriesPedestrians and cyclists
CrossesNew Cut of the River Avon
Bristol Harbour Railway
LocaleBristol
Heritage statusGrade II listed
Preceded byGaol Ferry Bridge
Followed byAshton Avenue Bridge
Characteristics
MaterialSteel
Pier constructionStone
History
Construction end1900
ReplacesFerry
Location
Map

Vauxhall Bridge is a footbridge in Bristol, England, that crosses the New Cut of the River Avon. At its northern end, the bridge also passes over the Bristol Harbour Railway line from Ashton Gate to Wapping Wharf, which runs along the bank of the New Cut at this point. The bridge was opened in 1900, replacing the Vauxhall ferry. On 30 December 1994, it was Grade II listed.[1][2][3] The bridge closed for repairs on 2 October 2023, and is expected to remain closed for up to two years.[4]

When the bridge was built, the New Cut was still in use by shipping to and from Bathurst Basin and the various shipyards that adjoined the cut, and consequently the bridge was built as a swing bridge. It is approximately 270 feet (82 metres) long and 11 feet (3.4 metres) wide, with a swinging section of 158 feet (48 metres) in length. Navigation ceased on the New Cut in the 1930s, and the bridge was last swung in 1936.[1][3][5]

  1. ^ a b "Bridge opening in Bristol". Western Daily Press. 1900-06-02. p. 7. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  2. ^ "Bristol Gleanings". Horfield and Bishopston Record and Montepelier & District Free Press. 1900-06-09. p. 2. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  3. ^ a b "VAUXHALL BRIDGE, Non Civil Parish - 1202162 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-12-08.
  4. ^ "Vauxhall Bridge restoration works to begin in October". Bristol City Council. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  5. ^ "A brief history". Friends of the Avon New Cut. Retrieved 9 December 2022.