Redcliffe Bascule Bridge reopening latest as test lifts continue
Road users have been warned of further disruption on Redcliffe Bascule Bridge[1] as a major programme of works comes to a close. The city centre bridge[2] was completely shut for two weeks last month as the final phase of work was carried out, with last Saturday (July 29) listed as the reopening date.
However, staff are now testing the bridge’s lifting mechanism and the full reopening could be weeks away. A spokesperson for Bristol City Council[3] said: “Some programmed bridge lifts will take place in August to train council harbour staff on the new operational harbour.
“Providing these test lifts do not show up any issues, the council is looking forward to completing the refurbishment project and fully reopening the bridge in late August.” First Bus[4] has also confirmed the bridge will be closed at certain times to numerous bus services this week.
Initially the council had advised of daily closures from 9.30am-3pm each day from July 17-28, to test the lifting mechanism. While it’s closed, drivers can follow the diversion over the Bristol Bridge bus gate but won’t be fined for doing so.
In an update on Twitter[6] yesterday (August 1), the council confirmed: “The daily bridge closure has been extended to Fri 4 August.” One commuter headed for Temple Meads[7] told Bristol Live they were unaware of the closure extension, and turned up on Monday only to find it closed – missing their train as a result of the unexpected delay.
The refurbishment of the city centre bridge[8], a main route from Redcliffe over the floating harbour towards Queen Square, has cost in the region of £3million. It was initially expected to take 10 weeks with the bridge closed between August and November last year.
After months of delays, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will be relieved when the project is finally completed in late August. The bridge[9] was originally built in 1938 to link Queen Square to the city centre, but was damaged by bombs in the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1942.
It is made up of two fixed spans and a lifting ‘bascule’ span which allows bigger boats to enter Welsh Back, a wharf alongside the Floating Harbour. An exact date for the reopening at the end of this month has not yet been confirmed.
It’s also unclear how often the subsequent bridge lifts and closures will take place before then, beyond the daily closures that have been confirmed this week. The council has been contacted for further clarification.
Bus disruption
In an update on its website, First Bus said: “Redcliffe Bascule Bridge in Bristol City Centre[10] will be closed again to services 24, 70, 73, 75, 76, 90, A1, m1 and m2 between 09:30 and 15:30 from Monday 31st July through to Friday 4th August to facilitate further bridge repair works.”
Services from Redcliff Hill and Redcliffe Way towards the City Centre will be diverted via Redcliff Street, Victoria Street, Bristol Bridge, Baldwin Street and Marsh Street to resume normal route at Broad Quay.
Services from the City Centre towards Bedminster[11] and Temple Meads will be diverted from Broad Quay via Marsh Street, Baldwin Street, Bristol Bridge and Victoria Street where the 70, 73 and A1 will continue ahead to Temple Meads. Services 24, 75, 76, 90, m1 and m2 will turn right into Mitchell Lane and use Three Queens Lane and Redcliff Street to resume normal route at Redcliff Hill.
The only bus stops that will be missed will be the Queen Square stops on Prince Street for services A1 and m1 (both directions) and m2 (towards P&R). Passengers have been asked to use the nearby stops at The Centre instead – C1 towards the Bus Station/Cribbs Causeway and C2 towards Bristol Airport[12]/Hengrove[13] Park/Long Ashton Park & Ride. Redcliffe Way stop R5 towards Temple Meads will not be served by the 70 or 73.
First Bus also warned that: “Due to temporary traffic lights on the diversion route there may be some delays to services.”
References
- ^ Redcliffe Bascule Bridge (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ city centre bridge (news.bristol.gov.uk)
- ^ Bristol City Council (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ First Bus (www.firstbus.co.uk)
- ^ Redcliffe Bascule Bridge to close as refurbishment work nears end in city centre (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Twitter (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Temple Meads (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ refurbishment of the city centre bridge (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ The bridge (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ Bristol City Centre (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bedminster (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Bristol Airport (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Hengrove (www.bristolpost.co.uk)