Bristol City Council and contractor Alun Griffiths are currently working on a major refurbishment of the well-used Redcliffe bascule bridge over Bristol's floating harbour, which opened in 1942. The project includes structural, mechanical and electrical repairs to allow the bascule span to be raised properly to let larger boats through - it will also protect the structural integrity of the bridge, reducing the need for future repairs.
Since taking on the contract at the start of June 2022, after previous contractor Cleveland Bridge UK Limited went into administration and ceased trading, Griffiths has carried out a series of improvements to the bridge, though most of these can't be seen by the public as they say they are within the structure that lies beneath the road surface. Having been unable to get into the machinery of the bridge until now, engineers have uncovered more of it, which will have an impact on the planned programme as the bridge is made operational and safe.
Work so far has included refurbishment to the steelwork, concrete, painting, glazing, electrical works and mechanical works (you can find the full list below). The bridge has been closed since the start of August in preparation for the span to be raised, to allow the 70-year-old mechanical and electrical systems to be repaired and upgraded.
