New proposals to finally fix Kingsweston Iron Bridge are expected to be approved by councillors next week. It comes months after Bristol City Council submitted £1-million plans to repair and reinstall it one metre higher, marking a milestone in efforts to reopen it since its closure seven years ago.
The footbridge has been closed since it was struck by a lorry in 2015. Residents have long campaigned for it to reopen after its closure left users cut off from Blaise and Kings Weston estates. However, the main stumbling block has been heritage concerns from Historic England over plans to eliminate bridge strikes by elevating the Grade II-listed structure, built around 1800.
Now, just days away from a planning committee decision, a welcome end could be in sight after delays, hurdles and objections. Members of the Development Control Committee are due to meet next Wednesday (December 21) to decide on the plans, and planning officers' report released ahead of the meeting has recommended that they approve it.
