Work to restore Bristol’s historic New Cut bridges is continuing to make good progress, with the refurbishment of two more bridges in the programme on track to be completed by the end of 2026.
Later today Bristol City Council’s transport and connectivity committee will be updated on the £16 million programme, which is delivering essential structural repairs to improve the safety, resilience and longevity of some of Bristol’s most iconic structures.
As part of the programme, Bathurst Swing Bridge is undergoing a full structural refurbishment, with work expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. Repairs at Vauxhall Bridge are also progressing, with completion anticipated in December 2026.
During refurbishment works, engineers uncovered more significant structural deterioration than was visible during inspections, particularly at Vauxhall Bridge. The additional repairs being carried out will extend the life of the bridge and avoid the significantly higher cost of full replacement.
Once these works are finished, seven of the eight bridge restoration projects within the New Cut bridges programme will have been completed. The programme has already delivered major refurbishments to Gaol Ferry Bridge, Langton Street Bridge (Banana Bridge), Bath New Bridge and Sparke Evans Park Bridge.
The final phase of the programme will see refurbishment works to the Bedminster Bridges Roundabout (twin bridges), with work expected to start, as part of the wider City Centre transport improvements programme, from late 2026.
The New Cut bridges programme is funded through the UK government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The programme was originally approved in 2023 .
To cover the cost of the additional repairs now included in the programme, an extra £2mn is being requested from Clean Air Zone income. Councillors will discuss the proposal at committee.
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Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the progress being made on the New Cut bridges programme. These structures are an important part of Bristol’s transport network and heritage, and the investment we’re making today will help safeguard them for years to come.
“I’d like to thank residents, businesses and everyone who uses these routes for their patience and understanding while these essential works take place. We know these projects can be disruptive, but they are vital to protecting some of Bristol’s most iconic bridges for future generations.”
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said:
“The extensive restoration of some of Bristol’s historic bridges will mean that people can use these essential routes for many years to come. As we work together to get the West moving, it’s important that we get the basics right by fixing our region’s roads and bridges to help lay the foundations for the future.
“With our record transport funding secured from government, together with our councils, we will build a transport network people can trust. That will mean better buses, more trains and stations, mass transit plans, active travel, and filling in more potholes.”
Image: Bristol City Council
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