Looks like you can still solo the bridge but it is much harder.
Basically you have to toy around with the bridge forming plate. You can't cross over unless you have the sword so you have to time killing the swordbearer with almost forming the bridge by getting on the plate and getting off when the totem is about to wipe you out.
Exactly right. Did you do it? Somebody posted a post-patch solo bridge video earlier BTW.