Brunel's Swivel Bridge
Other
A working historic bridge will enable tourists, mothers with buggies, and disabled to cross the North Entrance Lock and enjoy the area
About this cause
AIBT was formed in 1980 to promote the conservation of industrial monuments in Avon. In 2013 AIBT, the Bristol Archaeological Society (BIAS) and the Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society (CHIS) started to work in partnership on the preservation of the neglected Brunel's 1849 Swing Bridge, located by the entrance dock to Bristol's floating harbour. All contributed funds. For the last three years, dedicated volunteers including many professional engineers have been thoroughly investigating all aspects of the bridge to work out exactly what needs doing to it, and get a good grasp of how much it will cost. We have worked with many students from several Universities giving them valuable experience on this important bridge. Historic England and Bristol City Council support our work.
How this cause brings people in the community together
We want to re-establish BOB’s status as an important and iconic Brunel Bridge and be part of the Brunel Trail and the Underfall Yard. It will provide a safe pedestrian route as well as to cyclists. A new way of crossing the Entrance Lock without utilising the major roads or Plimsoll Bridge. It particularly helps make the area more accessible to those who can not use the lock gates to cross. AIBT will negotiate a partnership agreement with Bristol City Council and build upon contacts with BCC officers to reach agreement on permissions and plans for the restoration, future operation and maintenance of the bridge. We will agree a revised schedule of total project costs based upon our investigations Submit a new Project Enquiry Form to the HLF; Seek funding from local companies