Bristol's Prince Street Bridge to close to motor vehicles for repairs
Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross for most of the work
Last updated 4 hours ago
The Grade II listed Prince Street Bridge on Bristol Harbourside will close to motor vehicles from 7th December 2026 while repairs are carried out.
Bristol City Council said the repairs are needed to keep the bridge operating safely for everyone who uses the harbour and will help protect the historic structure.
The bridge will stay closed to motor vehicles until summer 2027.
Signed diversion routes via nearby Redcliffe Bridge will be in place.
The council said further information on diversion routes will be made available on its Harbour Improvement web page.
Access for pedestrians and cyclists
The council said pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge throughout most of the work.
Access will be maintained on one side of the bridge while repairs are carried out on the other, before switching sides later in the programme.
Because space will be limited, signs will ask cyclists and scooter users to slow down and give plenty of room to pass others safely.
A small number of short-term full closures will be needed to complete heavy lifting operations.
They are expected to last no more than one day at a time.
The dates will be displayed in advance on signs on the approaches to the bridge.
What the repairs involve
The work will focus on repairing and upgrading the bridge's swing mechanism, which opens to let larger boats pass through the harbour.
The council said the programme also aims to include improvements to the bridge's control systems and restoration work to the historic pumphouse.
Boats with a height of 2.1 metres or less above the waterline can continue to pass beneath the bridge while repairs are under way.
However, the bridge will be unable to swing open for larger vessels until the repairs are complete.
What the Harbour Committee chair said
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Harbour Committee, said: "Although repairs have been carried out to the structure in recent years, further maintenance is now needed to ensure the swing mechanism of the bridge remains reliable for years to come. The project will include repairs to ensure the bridge can continue to swing open, restoration of historic Victorian machinery used to operate the bridge, and upgrades to the unique water hydraulic systems and control equipment."
He also said: "We're incredibly fortunate to have a working historic harbour at the heart of Bristol. However, much of the infrastructure that supports it is ageing and requires ongoing investment and specialist maintenance. These repairs form part of our wider programme of investment across the harbour, helping us preserve important heritage assets while ensuring they remain safe, reliable and fit for future generations."
Councillor Brown added: "The approach chosen means pedestrians and cyclists can continue to use the bridge, rather than it being closed completely. Given that the volume of motor vehicles that use the bridge is small, we expect there will be minimal effects on the wider network. We'd like to thank residents, businesses, harbour users and visitors for their patience and understanding while these important improvements are carried out."
About the bridge
Prince Street Bridge is a Grade II listed iron swing bridge spanning Bristol Harbour between Prince Street and Wapping Road.
It was built in 1879.
The council said it remains an important transport link and a significant part of the city's maritime heritage.