A key commuter footbridge connecting South Bristol and the city centre has now closed - after months of delays. Gaol Ferry Bridge was initially supposed to close in June for urgent repairs, but the closure was postponed until today (August 22).
The bridge crosses the River Avon and connects South Bristol with Wapping Wharf on the Harbourside. The work to repair the bridge was initially put on hold as it was thought the bridge is so weak it may not be able to withstand scaffolding.
Engineers made initial assessments of the bridge back in June, and a new plan for repairs had to be drawn up. Described as a 'complex project' by Bristol City Council, people are now being urged to use Vauxhall Bridge or Bedminster Bridge instead.
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A spokesperson for Bristol City Council told Bristol Live in July: "This is a complex project which is presenting challenges from the outset. The main contractors, Griffiths, has already discovered the Bridge might not cope under the extra weight of proposed supporting scaffolding.
"This, and other complexities, mean the planned closure of the bridge and the majority of works have had to be deferred over the summer months so a revised plan can be developed. The new plan must be approved by an independent design specialist to make sure it is safe for the team of workers and their plant and equipment, and for the overall structure of the bridge."
Works are expected to take six to nine months. Local businesses in Wapping Wharf have previously expressed concern about how the bridge's closure could impact footfall.
Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, said in June: "We understand the need to carry out essential works to Gaol Ferry Bridge. However, we are concerned about the impact of its closure on the community of independent businesses at Wapping Wharf, particularly as this comes after a very challenging two years for the retail and hospitality sectors due to the pandemic.
"We are talking to the council about how this impact can be mitigated."
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