Toll bridge

About Toll bridge

Opened in 1884, the Swinburne toll bridge is one of the oldest remaining sandstone bridges in the Free State. The structure was built across the Wilge River to facilitate transport along what would become a key trade and transport route between the Orange Free State Republic and the British Colony of Natal.

Positioned at what was then a strategic border crossing point, the bridge originally collected tolls from passing travelers and transport wagons. The establishment of the bridge in the late 19th century directly catalyzed the growth of Swinburne village, which grew from a vital gold rush-era coaching stop into a small community. Though it was later bypassed by modern road developments and is no longer used for active vehicular traffic, it remains intact today as a recognized provincial heritage site.