WORK is under way on the £1.1 million restoration of Kingsweston Iron Bridge, nine years after the Grade II listed structure was first damaged.
The footbridge has been dismantled in sections and taken to a workshop in Bristol to be repaired.
A section of Kings Weston Road shut on January 15 so that work could begin on setting foundations and building up the stone abutments either side of the bridge by just over one metre so they are ready for the cast iron bridge to be craned back into a new, raised position later next year.
Councillors hope the additional height will prevent the bridge being hit by oversized vehicles in future.
Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It’s fantastic that the restoration works are progressing well, and I am looking forward to seeing this historic bridge back in place and open once again in 2024. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we work to safe-guard the future of Kingsweston Iron Bridge.”
While part of Kings Weston Road is closed, road users will need to follow the signposted diversion. From Kings Weston Road, drivers will need to travel onto Long Cross, Kings Weston Avenue, Lower High Street, Avonmouth Road, Portway Roundabout, Portway, Sylvan Way, Shirehampton Road and in reverse if travelling from the other direction. Cyclists and pedestrians can make use of the existing public footpaths on the eastern side of the bridge that will be maintained so they are accessible.
The project is being funded by the council’s Highway Infrastructure Bridge Investments fund.