diff --git a/polkadot/Cargo.toml b/polkadot/Cargo.toml
index d501a1bd4a..7661ffc67a 100644
--- a/polkadot/Cargo.toml
+++ b/polkadot/Cargo.toml
@@ -80,6 +80,10 @@ members = [
 	"parachain/test-parachains/adder/collator",
 ]
 
+# We want to be able to build the bridge relayer without pulling it (and all of its
+# dependencies into the Polkadot workspace)
+exclude = ["bridges/relays/bin-substrate", "bridges/bin/rialto/runtime", "bridges/bin/millau/runtime"]
+
 [badges]
 maintenance = { status = "actively-developed" }