Closure date for Gaol Ferry Bridge announced

The date for the closure of a popular walkway connecting Southville and the harbour has been announced.

Bristol City Council are embarking on a ‘bridge improvement programme’ beginning with Gaol Ferry Bridge – a well-used foot and cycle path connecting Coronation Road and Cumberland Road.

Pending cabinet approval, the footbridge in crossing the New Cut will be completely shut off to pedestrians and cyclists from June – and remain shut for at least six months.

A council spokesperson said: “Every effort is being made to complete works and reopen the bridge as soon as possible”. They said that diversions via Bedminster Bridges, Bathurst Bride and Vauxhall Bridge will be signposted to “minimise disruption”.

Better Food is a specialist organic food retailer and cafe

The news comes as traders on both sides of the river are increasingly concerned about the impact of the closure plans – as the footfall they rely on for trade will be axed to zero.

Phil Haughton, founder of Better Food, told Bristol24/7 of the “deep anxiety among traders” at the closure plans – ones that they predict will go on for longer than the stated half a year.

“Even a layperson can have a good look at that bridge and realise that the rust is very significant. I could see very potentially that we won’t be open until the end of the year, or even next year, because there’s going to be so much work,” said Haughton.

He added: “I’ve been fighting for a temporary bridge. Although it’s a lovely bridge, we actually just need something that’s functional.

“They need to put in a temporary walkway so that they can spend as long as they want on the restoration.”

The Grade II-listed Prince Street Bridge was shut after it was found to have become “heavily corroded” – photo: Bristol24/7

Six bridges in Bristol, including Vauxhall Footbridge, Bedminster New Bridge and Langton Street Footbridge (the Banana Bridge), need major restoration work. The improvements include include joint repairs, resurfacing and masonry strengthening.

A three-metre-wide temporary crossing was built across Prince Street Bridge when it was closed to fix heavy corrosion in 2015 to 2017. The project cost £1.2m, three times as much as was expected.

But in the case of Gaol Ferry Bridge, the council said due to the 60-metre span of the New Cut and the need for accessible ramps, a temporary bridge would require the closure of both roads – costing as much as the repairs themselves.

Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said the work will focus on “minimising the impact on people who use the bridge and local businesses.

Alexander said: “I am pleased we are in a position to give a concrete approach to how we’ll tackle this challenge and put Gaol Ferry Bridge forward to be the first for refurbishment.”

He continued: “This work has ensured that a range of options have been considered and the best possible solution available is being put forward.

“Although I recognise this will result in some disruption for people we will stay in touch with local businesses and the community to keep everyone updated on the work.”

The proposed repairs to the six bridges will be discussed and decided at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, May 10.

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

Read more: Bridge closure ‘threatens businesses’ very existence’, say traders 

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: