[1] The bridge carries a road from Prince Street to Wapping Road and is located between the Arnolfini art centre and M Shed museum.

The iron swing bridge was built in 1879 on the site of the ancient Gib ferry owned by the Dean and Chapter of Bristol Cathedral.

[5][6][7] The swing bridge is operated by water hydraulic power provided by the adjacent engine house and accumulator tower.

Fewer than 2,000 motor vehicle movements now cross the bridge per day using one side, whilst over 24,000 pedestrians and cyclists use the other.

[9] This has led pressure groups to call for the bridge to be closed to cars permanently.