Jervois Bridge Remnant
Port Adelaide is located on the Port River which separates it from the LeFevre Peninsula to the north and west. A supply of water from a well at Birkenhead and the availability of land made the peninsula an attractive place to live.
Originally the only method of accessing the peninsula was by boat. In 1858 the original Port Bridge was constructed from the Western end of St Vincent Street to the peninsula. Being upstream on the river this site provided the least interference to shipping.
The original bridge had deteriorated by 1874 and required replacement.
Opened in 1878 and demolished in 1969, the new bridge linked St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide, across the Port River to Hart Street, Semaphore. Its central span of 50m rotated for the passage of ships.
The wrought iron structure was supplied by Westwood Baillie of England. Its construction was supervised by engineer Henry Mais MICE, MIMechE, MASCE. Road, rail, tram, and pedestrian traffic used the bridge which provided improved access to the peninsula. Later the bridge also carried water and gas mains. The mains were required to be disconnected every time the bridge opened. The water and gas mains were later transferred to the new railway bridge constructed to the south in 1911.
The bridge mechanism originally used a steam engine to drive a pump but was replaced by an electric motor.
The opening of the bridge was controlled by a bridge keeper’s gallery over the central pier which gave the operator clear views of the river and road.
The bridge has been replaced with a new Jervois Bridge constructed adjacent the swing bridge. The swing bridge last opened on 26 August 1966.
The bridge was demolished and the bridge keeper’s gallery and box is the last remaining parts of the bridge.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Heritage Engineering Marker (HEM) |
| Award Date | October 1994 |
| Heritage Significance | Remnant of a bridge that was very technologically significant in South Australia. It ilustrates how industrtial design has changed over a period of 100 years. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Not Available. |
