Adelaide has been singularly unfortunate with respect to bridges; the Torrens has swept away nearly every work of stone or timber that was thrown across it during the first two decades of European settlement.

Prior to the erection of the first bridge the river was, at times, impassable and a punt was utilised for the purpose of crossing. The punt was operated by a rope fastened to a tree on each side of the river and was stationed at the lower end of a large pool near the present day weir. Crossing on a fallen tree was a favourite means of getting across the river, but many drownings resulted from such attempts.
The first attempt at bridging the stream occurred in 1837 when the Fisher brothers commenced a footbridge near the modern-day Adelaide Oval; it was completed by John B. Hack at the behest of the government. Transit was difficult and many complaints were made.
A more permanent structure was authorised for construction in 1855 and on 10 February 1856 the first substantial city bridge was ready for traffic. It was constructed of iron and was built where the present City Bridge now stands. It was the first on this site, King William Road having been continued in a direct line to North Adelaide, instead of wandering around to the old ford as it did previously. It was apparently of bowstring truss construction. This bridge was brought from England and it lasted for 20 years when itys replacement was opened on 25 April 1877.
Compared with other structures which had carried traffic between North and South Adelaide, it was a magnificent piece of work. It was an elegant structure of iron, decorated with cast iron friezes and lamp posts. It was converted into a two-lane bridge in 1884.
The second bridge served its function for many years, even carrying tramcars across the river from King William Street into North Adelaide. After World War I, the bridge was no longer coping with the traffic flows, which were hindered by the tram. In 1920, the City Council instructed the City Engineer to prepare a scheme for widening the bridge, but this was not done due to the projected expense. It was later decided that a new bridge should be built, and construction was commenced in 1929.
The bridge was completed by the end of 1930 and opened by the Governor of South Australia on 5th March 1931.
It is areinforced concrete bridge with a three hinged reinforced concrete arch spanning 36 metres across the river with two bow-string arches spanning the walkways on each bank. The bridge is the same width as King William Road, including footpaths and carriageway.

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