The original Wandsworth Bridge, a basic wrought iron lattice girder structure, was opened in 1873. Work started on a rebuild in 1937 but construction was delayed by the outbreak of war which caused a shortage of steel, and the new bridge wasn't opened until 1940. This second bridge is also a plain utilitarian structure with little decoration except for a granite plinth at each corner. Its low curve was intended to reflect the low riverbanks in the area.

In 2007 permission was given for art installations to be erected on each plinth. They were to be 12 metre high 'flames' made of glass, bronze and steel that changed colour with the ebb and flow of the tide. Sadly, they aren't there today so presumably the project was abandoned.

Midway between this bridge and the next stands the Cremorne Bridge otherwise simply known as Battersea Railway Bridge, opened in 1863, the same day as Clapham Junction station. It consists of five river spans of wrought iron supported by granite piers and with six brick arches on each bank.