Construction of the original 98 m (322 ft) Jervois Bridge from Port Adelaide to Ethelton commenced in July 1875, using components manufactured in England by Westwood, Baillie.

[1] Built to carry pedestrian, rail and road traffic, it was officially opened on 7 February 1878 by the Governor of South Australia, William Jervois, after whom it was named.

[4] Operation of the swing bridge passed from the South Australian Railways to the Harbours Board in December 1924.

It was later demolished with the control tower and supporting gantry moved to Nile Street, where it remained as an entrance to the Fishermen's Wharf Market car park[1] until 2016, when the carpark was partially redeveloped for a new office building.

[7] The control tower and supporting gantry were removed to the Council depot for restoration, with the intention of finally moving it to the Hart's Mill site, close to its original location.