 The name "Pålsundet", on old maps called "Påhl Sundet", or "Pålsund", refers to the poles blocking the canal from ships trying to reach central Stockholm without paying the required duty.Also, an iron chain served the same purpose of forcing the ships pay a visit to the custom house ("Winter Tullen") demolished during the 1930s.The bridge was known as Mälarvarvsbron ("The Mälaren Shipyard Bridge") or more locally "Varvsbron" until 1948 when it received its present name.