 The bridge opened in 1867 , and originally included a drawbridge section at its north end for tall ships to pass , though this was later replaced by the current swing bridge section . In 1980 , woodworm threatened the safety of the bridge , which needed major repairs to avoid closure . Tolls were collected for foot and cycle traffic until 2013 . The bridge is a Grade II * listed structure , and has one of the longest timber viaducts still in regular use in Britain . 
