Bristol's Banana Bridge to undergo restoration
It's part of the local authority's £16 million of investment to restore six New Cut bridges
Last updated 5th Sep 2024
The next stage of works by Bristol City Council to restore six New Cut bridges is to start in the middle of May.
It's part of the local authority's £16 million of investment, and will next be focussing on the Grade-II Langton Street structure.
The so-called 'Banana Bridge' will be the fourth to be refurbished as part of a five year programme of major repairs, when work gets going on May 13th.
The bridge, which was built in 1883, will be closed for 18 months following initial inspection and assessment works which concluded the iron and steel structure needs to undergo a full refurb.
It provides a useful pedestrian link between the north and south of the river - but will be completely closed as engineers work on it.
In September 2023, the council reopened the newly restored Gaol Ferry Bridge and, in October 2023, temporarily closed Vauxhall Bridge and Sparke Evans Park Bridge for essential repairs with diversions in place.
The works for the Langton Street bridge include repairing the steel structure and masonry abutments (the structures that support the bridge), and repainting it.
Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I’m pleased that restoration work will be getting underway on Langton Street Bridge soon. The historic footbridge is corroded and needs structural work to safeguard it for future generations. It is part of Bristol’s history and this will be the first time it’s had any major works, other than general maintenance, since 1884.
“We aim to complete the works as quickly as possible. I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience while we progress with our rolling programme of repairs to our New Cut bridges.”
Signs at will be installed and letters will be sent out to local residents and businesses advising them of the upcoming closure ahead of the works.
Diversions will be in place.
The restoration of Langton Street Bridge will cost up to £2 million, which is being funded by the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
Find out more about the New Cut bridges programme of repairs on the Bristol City Council website.