News / New Cut
Section of road next to New Cut to close for up to three months
Emergency works are starting soon following the discovery that part of the walls of the New Cut are at risk of collapse.
Electronic sensors show that movement in a 120-metre stretch of masonry wall near the Banana Bridge is speeding up, “and the river wall could fail if urgent action is not taken” according to Bristol City Council.
It means that repairs will begin on Monday on the wall on the York Road side of the New Cut, with works expected to take around 12 weeks.
is needed now More than ever
Electronic sensors are showing that movement of a 120-metre stretch of masonry wall near the Banana Bridge is speeding up – photo: Griffiths
Part of York Road will be closed as one-tonne bags prepare to be placed along the bank to reduce the tidal pressure on the wall in order to help secure it until long-term works are carried out.
The permanent repairs which are estimated to take up to two years to complete will include installing a sheet-piled retaining wall at the top of the bank to stabilise York Road, building a concrete piled wall behind the existing river wall, and planting trees and vegetation along the 120-metre section of stabilised embankment.
York Road is currently closed between St Luke’s Road towards Bath Bridges roundabout for six weeks, with the road due to be closed between St Luke’s Road and Spring Street for the following six weeks
Access for York Road residents, pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times, with four London planes trees needing to be felled or pruned back set to be replaced.
Due to the size of the lifting equipment needed to carry out the emergency works, part of York Road will need to close for up to twelve weeks from Monday, July 8 – photo: Martin Booth
Chair of Bristol City Council’s transport & connectivity committee, Ed Plowden, said: “These works are vital to stabilise the river wall.
“If left any longer, there is a risk that this section could fail, leading to severe consequences.
“We’ve already seen a very serious collapse like this on Cumberland Road, which increased the remediation costs and the time needed to complete repairs.
“Safety must come first, but, while I’m pleased the emergency repairs will be starting soon, the temporary closure of part of York Road will undoubtedly cause disruption in the area and it’s always a last resort to remove any trees.
“I have asked the team to make every effort to work around the valuable street trees.
“I would like to thank everyone ahead of time for their understanding while we carry out these important works to safeguard the future of Bristol’s harbourside assets.”
Part of Cumberland Road and the Chocolate Path collapsed into the New Cut in January 2020 – photo: Bristol City Council
Main photo: Martin Booth
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