Ashton Swing Bridge

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To Bristol Docks: Ashton Swing Bridge North Signal Box
To Ashton Junction: Ashton Swing Bridge South Signal Box

History

At one time a road went across the river at this spot as well as a railway, and the bridge was a double decker. Half way along a control cabin was raised even higher above the road on stilts. The bridge was built by John Lysaght and Co and opened on the 3rd October 1906 by the Lady Mayoress, Mrs A.J.Smith. The original estimate for the bridge was £36,500 with the GWR agreeing to pay half. The final bill, however, was £70,389 and the city council asked the railway to increase its contribution. They agreed and finally contributed £22,000. The swing span is 202ft long and weighs 1000 tons. It could be swung in either direction.

The bridge wasn't swung after February 1934 and was fixed in position in 1951. Road traffic across the top deck ceased in 1965 and the line across the bridge was singled in 1976.

1900s

  • An early postcard of the bridge showing the top deck and control cabin.
    An early postcard of the bridge showing the top deck and control cabin.

1990s

  • Pannier tank 1369 trundles across the bridge in 1996. © Geoff Hartland
    Pannier tank 1369 trundles across the bridge in 1996. © Geoff Hartland

2003

9.11.03

  • This photo was taken from the same footbridge that the last photo in the Ashton Meadows Sidings set was taken. It shows the view along the top of the bridge.
    This photo was taken from the same footbridge that the last photo in the Ashton Meadows Sidings set was taken. It shows the view along the top of the bridge.
  • A side-on view of the bridge looking east from the south banks of the River Avon.
    A side-on view of the bridge looking east from the south banks of the River Avon.
  • The other side of the bridge. The warehouse in the background houses the Bristol Record Office.
    The other side of the bridge. The warehouse in the background houses the Bristol Record Office.
  • The bridge viewed from one end to the other.
    The bridge viewed from one end to the other.
  • The north side of the bridge. This end of the bridge is significantly wider than the other.
    The north side of the bridge. This end of the bridge is significantly wider than the other.
  • The view along the bridge. The footbridge from where I took the first photo in this sequence is just visible beyond.
    The view along the bridge. The footbridge from where I took the first photo in this sequence is just visible beyond.

2006

  • An Autostitched view of the bridge.
    An Autostitched view of the bridge.
  • A totem-pole sign which gives cyclists directions.
    A totem-pole sign which gives cyclists directions.

2008

  • A view of the bridge taken from a boat on the river. (with a very high tide!) © Michael C G Owen
    A view of the bridge taken from a boat on the river. (with a very high tide!) © Michael C G Owen

2011

  • A rather decrepit looking bridge.
    A rather decrepit looking bridge.

2017, 2018 and 2019

  • The bridge has undergone a complete restoration as part of a Bristol Metrobus scheme. The restoration includes a separate roadway for the Metrobus alongside a widened pedestrian/cyclepath.
    The bridge has undergone a complete restoration as part of a Bristol Metrobus scheme. The restoration includes a separate roadway for the Metrobus alongside a widened pedestrian/cyclepath.
  • The bridge open for traffic. 17.2.19
    The bridge open for traffic. 17.2.19
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