Historic Swansea bridge to return seven years after it was removed for restoration

The location of the bascule bridge, Landore - its span has been restored and the timber support structure will be upgraded (Image: Richard Youle )

A historic bridge will be put back across Swansea’s River Tawe, seven years after its span was removed for restoration. Cllr David Hopkins, cabinet member for delivery, told a group of councillors funding was in place for the reinstatement of the bascule bridge at Landore, and that it was “definitely down to be done” in the next financial year.

The bascule bridge was built in 1909, providing a rail link while also allowing masted ships to sail upriver thanks to a weighted drum which tilted one half of the bridge upwards at the centre. Bascule is the French word for seesaw.

In 2019 a large crane removed the bridge span, which had been fenced