News / Kingsweston
Crowds gather to watch bridge’s return
A crowd gathered to watch the much anticipated return of the Kingsweston Iron Bridge.
A stiff wind and a splash of rain did nothing to delay the homecoming of the structure which has been fully restored by Bedminster Down-based Dorothea Restorations.
Sections of the bridge, resplendent in a new coat of dark green paint were soon suspended from a crane and lowered into place above the working platform which has blocked the road for the last four months.
is needed now More than ever
There was no sign of the damage done to the bridge by the lorry that struck it in 2015 rendering it unsafe to cross. Its new position, raised by a metre should mean that it’s safe from traffic in the future.
For campaigner Janet Poole it’s been a long battle and said she was excited to see the bridge return.
“I feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in that accomplishment,” she told Bristol24/7.
Campaigner Janet Poole welcomes back the bridge – photo: David Martyn
During the next stage the steps up to the bridge will be finished with handrails added. The working platform under the bridge will be removed and the road will be reopened to traffic in about two weeks.
The footpath over the bridge will reopen in July with walkers able to use the bridge to travel between the Blaise Castle and Kingsweston estates and to cross the road safely.
The bridge in its final position, including the new steps on the Blaise Castle side – photo: Bob Pitchford
Mary Milton is reporting on Sea Mills as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: Bob Pitchford; video: Richard Ganniclifft
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