News / Kingsweston
Famous footbridge could finally be fixed
After more than seven years being closed, the end could be in sight for the long-running saga of the Kingsweston Iron Bridge.
The bridge, which connects the Kingsweston estate with Blaise Castle, has been shut since it was hit by a lorry in 2015.
But on Wednesday, councillors are likely to approve a planning application to restore the historic span.
is needed now More than ever
The latest plan is to raise the bridge by just over one-metre so that HGVs are unlikely to hit it again in the future, and provide access either end by steps.
In February, Bristol North West MP Darren Jones took the rare step of publicly calling on mayor Marvin Rees to find the cash to finally repair the bridge.
Funding to repair the bridge was ringfenced in the city council’s 2022/23 budget, with subsequent delays fixing the bridge blamed on a backlog in planning applications at City Hall.
A protest in November 2021 asking why repairs to the bridge were taking so long – photo: Clare Coyne
Conservative councillor for Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston, John Geater, said: “Like most people in the ward, we just want this long-delayed restoration to finally take place…
“It is important that we get this road crossing back into use and able to enjoy again a piece of historical infrastructure.
“However, I am also conscious that members must determine this issue purely on the merits of the planning application before them.”
Conservative councillor James Scott added: “I have sympathy with those who would like to see more action taken to prevent any damage to the bridge going forward.
“But, it is important that we grab this opportunity for repair before the costs of such a project become unaffordable.”
A protest in November next to the bridge marking seven years since it was closed – photo: Lawrence Blackwell
Cabinet member for transport Don Alexander, who is also the Labour councillor for the Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston ward, said that he welcomes the application “which proposes an ambitious plan which will preserve this bridge for future generations”.
He said: “Any negative impact on this much loved asset will be far outweighed by the fact that it will be permanently raised and safe from any further bridge strikes.
“The Iron Bridge is both a historic and strategic asset for my ward, so I am delighted that the council has found funding for its repair despite the financial challenges facing local government. I strongly urge councillors to approve this application.
“The council has ringfenced funding so that once these plans are approved, work repairing it can start as soon as possible.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- MP calls on mayor to end long-running bridge saga
- Historic bridge remains closed after seven years of campaigning
- By-election to take place as councillor steps down
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