We're investing £7 million to repair, replace and improve key harbour infrastructure.
This investment will:
- help protect historic structures
- improve safety
- make sure the harbour continues to operate reliably for future generations
The work includes:
- bridge repairs
- lock gate improvements
- other improvement work across the harbour
The work will start at different times from late 2026 onwards.
We'll provide updates on this page about each project as work progresses, including information about start dates, expected completion dates, and any temporary changes that may affect access or travel.
The Cascade Steps is a raised landing stage and viewing platform located on Anchor Road and used by ferry operators, harbour visitors and people visiting the city centre waterfront.
Over recent years, we've carried out inspections that have shown the decking and supporting structure has deteriorated. Repairs have been carried out where possible, but engineering assessments have found that much of the timber has reached the end of its service life and is no longer suitable for long-term use.
Work will include:
- replacing the existing timber decking and support beams with modern, more durable composite materials
- carrying out any necessary repairs and preservation work to the steel structure
The work is expected to start early 2027 and take up to 5 months.
Cost of work
£900,000
Pero's Bridge is a pedestrian bascule bridge linking Narrow Quay and Bordeaux Quay across Bristol Harbour. This means it can lift if needed to allow larger boats to pass through.
As part of our ongoing programme of inspections and maintenance, a detailed inspection of the bridge in July 2025 identified issues that needed further investigation and repair planning. More funding was provided so the bridge could continue to operate safely and reliably for the public.
This work was due to start later in 2026, but it will now start earlier, following an incident during a routine test lift in August 2026.
The bridge will be removed, repaired and improved away from the site. This will allow marine traffic to pass through St Augustine's Reach.
Work will include:
- repairing defects identified during inspections of the bridge
- refurbishing elements of the bridge's lifting mechanism
- improving electrical, mechanical, and structural components to support long-term operation
- addition of lighting to the bridge
The 3 bridge spans will be lifted from their positions and towed by barge to the Albion Dry Dock during the week beginning 2 November 2026. The bridge is expected to reopen in summer 2027.
Diversion information
Businesses are open as usual on each side of St Augustine’s Reach.
Cost of work
£1.35 million
Sluice gates
The sluice gates at Underfall Yard manage water levels and water flow within Bristol Harbour.
Work will include:
- repairing the sluice gates
- installing a replacement harbour control system
- conducting associated works needed to keep the infrastructure operating safely and reliably
The work is expected to start in late 2026 and take up to 12 months.
Culvert repair
A culvert is a tunnel or pipe that allows water to flow beneath another structure, such as a road or path.
The culverts at Underfall Yard are an important part of the harbour's water management systems.
Work will include:
- underwater inspections of the culverts that run from the harbourside to the New Cut, to drain excess water from the harbour
- identifying any structural defects or damage
- carrying out repairs where needed to keep the system working safely and reliably
Cost of work
- Underfall Yard Sluice Gates: £3,041,000, paid for by the Environment Agency Grant in Aid
- Underfall Yard Culvert Repair: £900,000
Together with Netham Weir, Netham Lock helps manage water levels between the tidal River Avon and the Floating Harbour.
Recent inspections have found wear and deterioration to the lock gates and related structures, leading to increased leakage and reduced performance.
Work will include:
- repairing and strengthening the lock gates
- replacing worn and damaged parts
- repairing supporting structures and brickwork
- reducing water leakage through the lock
- carrying out inspections and additional repairs where needed
The work is expected to start January 2027 and take up to 4 months.
Cost of work
£600,000
The entrance lock at Cumberland Basin is the main way boats travel between the River Avon and Bristol Floating Harbour. The lock gates are nearing the end of their working life. They need to be thoroughly inspected to help plan future repairs and improvements.
Work will include:
- carrying out detailed surveys and principal inspections of the harbour entrance lock gates
- identifying what repairs or improvements are needed to keep the lock operating safely and reliably
- undertaking the most urgent and necessary repairs to ensure safe usage of the lock for the next few years
- planning the longer-term works needed to both the inner and outer lock gates, to ensure they work reliably and safely
The work is expected to start in Spring 2027 and take up to 12 months.
Cost of work
£1,080,000
Prince Street Bridge is a Grade II listed bridge used by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
It crosses Bristol Harbour between the Arnolfini and M Shed. It's also a swing bridge, which means it must be able to open to allow boats to travel through the harbour.
Although repairs have been carried out in recent years, further maintenance is needed to keep the bridge operating reliably.
The work will include:
- conducting works to the mechanism which allows the bridge to be swung
- restoring historic Victorian machinery used to open and close the bridge
- upgrading hydraulic systems and controls
In addition to the structural works, we're looking at options to improve the nearby pumphouse. This would include installing educational plaques.
This work is expected to start early December 2026 and will finish in the late spring or early summer of 2027.
Cost of work
£465,000
Diversion information
Prince Street Bridge will be closed to motor vehicles while these essential repairs are carried out.
Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge, although access will be limited to one side. There will be a small number of short-term full closures to pedestrians and cyclists to allow heavy lifting operations to take place safely.
Cars and other motorised road traffic will be diverted to Redcliffe Bridge to continue their journey.
We're working with the National Grid Electricity Distribution to deliver improvements to Canon's Marsh Amphitheatre's electricity infrastructure. The works will mean there's a more reliable, sustainable, and resilient power supply for events and day-to-day operations at the amphitheatre.
Specific details and a works programme are being developed and will be promoted when available.
The upgraded electrical infrastructure will reduce the need for temporary diesel generators at events, helping to:
- lower emissions, providing a cleaner and more efficient source of power for event organisers and site operations
- reduce noise
- support our wider sustainability objectives
Work will include:
- building a new electricity substation on the raised cobble area above the main access ramp
- installing a new switch room next to the sub-station
- laying new underground power cables
- installing new power connection points for events
- upgrading existing electrical equipment
- carrying out excavation and trenching works to connect the new infrastructure to the electricity network
To limit disruption to events and public access, the work is expected to start in January 2027 and be complete by April 2027.
Cost of work
£500,000