News / Banana Bridge
Closure of major south Bristol bridge
The Banana Bridge is set to close for up to 18 months from Monday as extensive restoration works get underway.
The distinctive Grade II-listed yellow structure, officially titled Langton Street Bridge, connects York Road in Bedminster with Clarence Road and is the latest to undergo major repairs.
Its restoration is likely to cost up to £2M, which is being funded by the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
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Bristol City Council has said the length of work will depend on what condition the bridge is in, which won’t be determined until the footway is closed and teams can access the full structure, although it is expected to take up to 18 months.
People who would normally use the busy crossing will now have to divert over Bath Bridge at the Temple Meads end, or Bedminster Bridge to cross between Redcliffe Hill and York Road.
The Banana Bridge, so-called because of its curved appearance, is one of six to be restored over the next five years, with Vauxhall Bridge and Sparke Evans Bridge already closed for repairs.
Bedminster Bridge and Bath Bridge are also due to undergo restoration work.
Speaking earlier this year, Don Alexander, who was Labour’s cabinet member for transport until the recent local elections, said that the historic footbridge needs structural work “to safeguard it for future generations”.
Alexander said: “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.”
Langton Street Bridge was built in 1883 and was initially used as a temporary crossing while Bedminster Bridge was being constructed before being moved up river.
Its name comes from its final location on what was then Langton Street, which was destroyed by bombing in World War Two.
In a statement, Bristol City Council said: “Langton Street Bridge will close on Monday 13 May 2024 for up to 18 months for extensive repairs. It crosses the New Cut of the River Avon between Bedminster Bridge and Bath Bridge, linking the north and south of the river.
“Work will include removing the surface, repairing the structure and masonry, and repainting the bridge.
“The length of the work will depend on what condition the bridge is in. We’ll determine this when we can access the full structure, once the bridge is closed.”
The Banana Bridge has not had any major works, other than general maintenance, since 1884 – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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