Significant Closure of Bathurst Swing Bridge for Major Refurbishment
A bustling bridge that serves thousands of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists daily is set to close for an extensive refurbishment next week. The Bathurst Swing Bridge, located near the heart of Bristol city centre, will undergo a significant £16 million upgrade.
The closure of the Bathurst Swing Bridge will begin on Monday, April 7, meaning that motorists and local residents will no longer be able to access this vital connection between Wapping Wharf and Cumberland Road. Temporary traffic lights will be implemented to guide vehicles onto a two-way diversion route adjacent to the bridge.
Originally scheduled to commence on March 3, construction was delayed until the Walters Group assumed responsibility for the project. The refurbishment is projected to cost approximately £1.3 million and is expected to take up to two years, though this timeline may be subject to adjustments.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, expressed his enthusiasm about initiating these crucial repairs, stating, “I’m really pleased we are in a position to get started with these essential repairs. The bridge has become corroded and could become unsafe if we don’t act soon. It’s the first time in around 25 years that this historic bridge will have any major work done to it. I would like to thank everyone again for bearing with us as we work to restore our city’s historic bridges and ensure these vital connections are safeguarded for the future.”
He also noted, “Thankfully, as it has a new bridge immediately alongside, we can minimise disruption and actively respond to traffic build-up during peak times.”
This project is part of Bristol City Council’s broader initiative, which involves a total investment of £16 million to repair various bridges along the New Cut. The refurbishment efforts are already underway at several locations, including the Vauxhall Bridge, Sparke Evans Park Bridge, and Langton Street Bridge. Meanwhile, the Gaol Ferry Bridge and Brislington New Bridge renovations have been successfully completed. Future constructions are also planned for the Bedminster Bridge Roundabout and Bath Bridge Roundabouts.
Details of the Restoration Work
The restoration of the Bathurst Swing Bridge will encompass a comprehensive set of tasks, including:
- Removing the concrete decking beneath and the timber footpath
- Eliminating paint and corrosion
- Assessing the structural integrity of the bridge
- Repairing the bridge’s underlying structure
- Repainting and weatherproofing the entire bridge
- Implementing a high-friction road surface along with new road markings
In addition to this major project, another significant A road is set to close for five months, which is likely to create commuter chaos. This upcoming work, scheduled to begin in May, has been approved to enhance a cycleway. The A435 Cheltenham to Bishop’s Cleeve Cycleway is expected to be completed by August 2025. This road will be closed in both directions between the Cheltenham Racecourse roundabout and the Hyde Lane/Southam Lane junction.
The Gloucestershire Cycle Spine aims to encourage more commuting in the area by promoting cycling instead of car travel, offering a continuous 26-mile stretch from Bishop’s Cleeve to Stroud.
In other news, residents in Swanscombe, Kent, have voiced their frustrations over a prolonged two-year major road closure following a severe landslip. Locals have been forced to navigate around sections of the A226 due to ongoing diversions that stem from the disaster, which was triggered by a substantial 150mm mains pipe bursting. Though major repairs on Galley Hill Road are necessary, it remains unclear how long the repairs will take, with estimates suggesting it could extend up to three years.
Moreover, disgruntled residents in Canterbury, Kent, have criticized their town’s mayor for initiating repairs on his £1 million residence. The renovations will lead to the closure of the area’s only road for nearly six months, rendering the popular route through Fordwich impassable from April to September, as “essential” work is set to begin on the property. This is part of the larger £16 million refurbishment initiative.