The next stage of Bristol’s Kingsweston Iron Bridge restoration works to begin

Published On: January 3rd, 2024

Beginning in January 2024, the next phase of the £1.1 million restoration project for Kingsweston Iron Bridge will commence, focusing on constructing the stone abutments on either side of the bridge.

This Grade II listed footbridge, made of cast iron, connects Blaise Castle Estate to Kings Weston Fields and has recently undergone dismantling and transportation to a workshop in Bristol for repair.

The bridge has been closed since 2015 due to multiple truck collisions that rendered it unstable and dangerous. The upcoming work will involve building up the stone abutments by slightly over one meter so that they are prepared for the reinstallation of the cast iron structure, which is scheduled to take place later next year using a crane.

To support both abutments and provide a foundation for reinforcing concrete, construction will take place around these areas.

Additionally, steps leading up to the bridge will be supported by this foundation.

The front portion of the abutments will be built using masonry and stones that closely match the existing structure. During this period of construction, a section of Kings Weston Road will need to be closed from January 15th and remain inaccessible until spring 2024 for all road users’ safety.

Once the bridge has been craned into its new position, the remaining work to install the steps up to the bridge will be carried out so it can reopen. Raising the bridge up should mean it is no longer at risk of being struck by oversized trucks that should not be travelling under the bridge.

Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It’s fantastic that the restoration works are progressing well, and I am looking forward to seeing this historic bridge back in place and open once again in 2024. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we work to safeguard the future of Kingsweston Iron Bridge.”

While a section of Kings Weston Road is closed, road users will need to follow the signposted diversion. From Kings Weston Road, drivers will need to travel onto Long Cross, Kings Weston Avenue, Lower High Street, Avonmouth Road, Portway Roundabout, Portway, Sylvan Way, Shirehampton Road and in reverse if travelling from the other direction. Cyclists and pedestrians can make use of the existing public footpaths on the eastern side of the bridge that will be maintained so they are accessible.

The Kingsweston Iron Bridge restoration project is being funded by the council’s Highway Infrastructure Bridge Investments fund.

To keep up to date on the works, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/kingswestonironbridge.

About Kingsweston Iron Bridge

Kingsweston Iron Bridge received significant structural damage after being hit by an oversized truck that should not have been travelling under the bridge in 2015.

The east underside of the cast iron structure suffered major damage and lost a lower rib to two arch beams.

A temporary scaffolding bridge support arrangement above the footbridge was installed to prevent the bridge from collapsing onto the road below.

The iron structure was again damaged by another oversized truck in April 2018, which also should not have been travelling under the bridge, resulting in the uphill nearside (northwest) half arch being smashed.