Why we repaired Redcliffe Bridge, why work stopped, and how long the repairs took.
We restarted work to refurbish Redcliffe Bascule Bridge in June 2022 and completed the project in the summer of 2023.
image It crosses the harbour from Redcliffe Way to Welsh Back (4.32 MB) .
Why work stopped
Repairs were started in January 2021, but the contractor went into administration and ceased to trade.
We worked with a new contractor to carry out the remaining works.
The bridge is open
The bridge is open to pedestrians, cyclists and general traffic.
What the repairs involved
The work involved important structural, mechanical and electrical repairs to allow the bridge to open properly and let larger boats through.
It is protecting the structural integrity of the bridge, reducing the need for future repairs.
How much the repairs cost
The refurbishment cost around £3 million. This cost was covered by money already set aside from Bristol's capital funding programme.
About Redcliffe Bridge
Redcliffe Bascule Bridge was built in 1942 to link Queen's Square to the city centre.
It's made up of two fixed spans and a lifting ‘bascule' span which allows larger boats to enter Welsh Back, a wharf alongside the floating harbour.
The bridge underwent a major refurbishment in 1996. This included replacing the original timber deck with a new steel deck and replacing the electrical control system.
Those repairs were more than 25 years old and needed to be upgraded to modern standards.