You both make very good points, which I've been mulling over in the back of my mind all day. Anstett's comment about secret meetings, however, has convinced me that I do indeed have too many bridges. Secretive maritime meetings in out of the way places, possibly between illicit traders in beetle resin, between political conspirators, and general skulduggery involving boats on fog-shrouded canals have always been very much a part of this city in my imagining, so, fewer bridges it shall be.

That said, there will still be bridges, and some will probably be wonderfully designed (at least they will be described that way, as I lack the skill to draw them).

Thank you all for you critiques and comments.