News / Vauxhall Bridge
Council says repairs to Vauxhall Bridge are underway
Bristol City Council has insisted they are “on track” to complete repairs on Vauxhall Bridge within the estimated two-year timeframe.
Vauxhall Bridge closed in October for urgent repairs as part of a £16m investment by the council to safeguard the future of six bridges that cross the New Cut.
Repairs to the bridge connecting Southville to Spike Island are estimated to cost £3m.
is needed now More than ever
At around 82 metres in length, the Grade II listed Vauxhall Bridge, built around 1900, is more than 20 metres longer than Gaol Ferry Bridge.
But questions are being asked about when work will actually begin on the bridge, which used to swing until 1935.
A Twitter page devoted to documenting how many people are working on Vauxhall Bridge every day has recorded “zero people” working on the span since November 20.
Vauxhall Bridge was a swing bridge until 1935 – photo: Martin Booth
A city council spokesperson said: “We are on track to complete the £3m restoration of the bridge within the expected time frame of two years.
“A detailed assessment inspection, to provide further insight into the condition of the bridge and the repairs needed, has been completed since its closure.
“The stone slabs and concrete base that make up the deck walkway of the bridge have been removed to allow work to begin on the metalwork support foundations.
“Repairs to the overhead cross beams have also begun with their phased removal, restoration and reinstallation.
“Work to remove the paint, to enable repairs to the structure, will begin towards the end of February with more scaffolding going up and sections of the bridge covered to prevent material falling into the river.”
The spokesperson added: “Vauxhall Bridge restoration and repair works are part of the council’s £16m investment plan to safeguard the future of six bridges that cross the New Cut.
“Of this, we are investing £3m to make sure Vauxhall Bridge is fully restored. This is the first time it will have such major works since the 1980s.
“The restoration will make it almost as good as new so that it can remain open for years to come, strengthening our valuable connections across the river and supporting people who walk and cycle in Bristol.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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