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PRESS RELEASE

BRUNEL SWIVEL BRIDGE RESTORATION PROJECT - BRISTOL CITY DOCKS

BRUNEL'S LITTLE WONDER

One of Brunel's original bridges, largely unknown even to those who pass it every day, is now set to be restored.

Built in 1849 to span the entrance to Bristol City Docks, this almost unknown little structure served its purpose for 120 years before retirement in 1968. After nearly 40 years of disuse there are plans to bring it back into full operation, both as a historic monument to Brunel and as an essential piece of Bristol's sustainable transport network.

The 'Swivel Bridge' as Brunel called his wrought iron tubular swing bridge had a varied life. Starting a short distance from its current position it originally spanned Brunel's entrance lock to the City while its twin crossed the earlier entrance created by Jessop. It has been moved, copied, altered, reinstalled and now looks set to be restored to working order. It is in surprisingly good condition, like so much designed by Brunel, the original machinery is still in place and with suitable restoration it could once again become a vital transport link over the entrance to Cumberland Basin.

While not unique, this bridge represents one of the last Brunel designed structures yet to be 'discovered' and for years went un noticed and disregarded by passers by. Although it once formed the main thoroughfare over the Southern Entrance to the City Docks at Cumberland Basin, it was superseded by the new Plimsoll Bridge and put out of service when that opened to main road traffic. The City Docks Engineer at the time took steps to preserve it and the Docks engineering staff have kept the main structure under care and maintenance. This far sighted approach means that we now have an opportunity for the bridge to be restored to operation. A Committee of Engineers, historians and Brunel enthusiasts have formed a group to investigate and pursue the possibility.

Although there is a much larger and modern bridge next to the Swivel Bridge, the historic crossing would provide a much needed pedestrian and cycle crossing of the locks at low level, preventing the need to negotiate spiral staircases and busy roads on the A38. At present there is no safe way to cross the lock without using the walkways above the gate cassions. A dedicated bridge at this point would open up the Ashton and River Avon areas to walkers and cyclists, create a through route for sustainable transport and restore a unique piece of Brunel's engineering as a functional yet historic part of Bristol's transport infrastructure. The project has received enthusiastic support from local Bristol Council leaders and councillors, Bristol businesses and Sustrans.

As part of the project, there is a web site detailing the Swivel Bridge, putting it into historical perspective as well as looking at other examples of Brunel's work in Bristol. This is available at www.brunelbridge.org.uk

Further details and commentary available by contacting the project originator and former City Dock Engineer David Neale

This page is copyright free subject to a credit and web address : www.brunelbridge.org.uk

Photographs and technical information can be supplied for publication and are available for publicity purposes from the website.

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Ross Floyd for Brunel Swivel Bridge Committee May 2006.