News / Vauxhall Bridge
Vauxhall Bridge set to be closed for repairs for up to two years
Work to restore Vauxhall Bridge is set to begin in October and could take as long as two years to complete.
The repair work will start just weeks after the reopening of Gaol Ferry Bridge – the first of six bridges over the New Cut which Bristol City Council is rennovating.
Built around 1900 and extended in 1986, Vauxhall Bridge crosses the New Cut, the harbour railway and the newly reopened Chocolate Path.
is needed now More than ever
The Grade II listed structure was originally constructed as a swing bridge but has not been swung open since 1935.
It was also featured in the opening scenes of the first episode of Skins from back in 2007:
Vauxhall Bridge will close on October 2 for a detailed inspection followed by repairs which are likely to last until 2025.
Work will include removing the surface, repairing the structure and replacing some cross beams, as well as masonry repairs and repainting the bridge.
Vauxhall Bridge was bombed in the Second World War, with some damage still visible – photo: Martin Booth
Cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, said: “We are working at pace on our bridges programme and will be tackling Vauxhall Bridge next, as we continue with major investment in Bristol’s infrastructure after the sticking plaster approach of previous administrations.
“It’s part of our £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 and is the first time it will have such major works since the 1980s.”
Bristol City Council say that as the access point from Vauxhall Bridge to the Chocolate Path will be closed during the works to the bridge, “it would have been uneconomical to dismantle the barrier only to reinstall it almost immediately after” – photo: Martin Booth
Alexander added: “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.
“We know that it’s important to complete the works as quickly as possible and so I would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these essential repairs, while we continue to plan repairs for other bridges along the New Cut.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- New plans for new bridge over New Cut
- Chocolate Path reopens after being closed for six years
- Hundreds join Gaol Ferry Bridge reopening party
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