Reopening of Redcliffe Bridge delayed

The 80-year old bridge that connects Redcliffe to Welsh Back and Queen Square is unlikely to reopen before November.

Closed to traffic and pedestrians since August 1 for major refurbishment, the busy route will now be out of action for an estimated additional five weeks after contractors discovered further work is necessary before it can be lifted.

Repairs to the Redcliffe Bridge began in January 2021, but the initial contractor, Cleveland Bridge, went into administration and ceased trading.

Alun Griffiths was commissioned by Bristol City Council to continue the work, but having carried out a series of improvements, the contractors have now unearthed further problems that look set to delay the process.

The contractors say that when removing the brakes on the bascule bridge, it was necessary to remove one shaft from the gearbox. They found the bearings were badly scored enough to “fail imminently”.

The decision to replace the bearings will extend the work by approximately five weeks.

Bristol24/7 asked the council and Griffiths if there are any cost implications with the delay but is yet to receive an answer.

A spokesman for Griffiths said: “Although the bridge cannot be lifted until the new bearings are installed, Griffiths will continue to work to refurbish the safety gates in preparation for fitting new motors and further safety features.”

The contractor says the bridge can’t be reopened in the meantime as it needs to be free of traffic to carry out works on the bridge deck.

The spokesman added: “Griffiths is sequencing bridge deck work to enable the temporary opening of a pedestrian footway and a cycle lane, which should remain in place until the bridge is lifted in September.

“The bridge should be lowered again approximately eight weeks later in November and reopened to all traffic, albeit under lane restrictions, while surfacing work is carried out.”

Griffiths says the work will protect the structural integrity of the bridge, reducing the need for future repairs.

Bristol Bridge is temporarily open to all traffic while Redcliffe Bridge is out of action. The timing also coincides with the closure of nearby Gaol Ferry Bridge.

Redcliffe Bridge will now be closed until November – photo: Alun Griffiths

Speaking earlier this year, Bristol’s cabinet member for transport Don Alexander said: “To help reduce the pressure on our road network, we are encouraging motorists to travel to the city centre by bus, foot or bike wherever they can. Not only will this help to keep the roads operating smoothly, it will also help us to deliver clean air and become a carbon neutral and climate resilient city.

“This much needed investment into the refurbishment works will mean larger boats will once again be able to sail through the Welsh Back. It will also protect the structure of the bridge, while helping to reduce noise pollution from traffic.”

Main photo: Alun Griffiths

Read more: 

• Redcliffe Bridge shuts for ten weeks
• Gaol Ferry Bridge officially closes for at least six months
• Fears bridge closure will ‘devastate’ Wapping Wharf businesses 
• Bristol Bridge to see major redesign 

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