News / Transport
Prince St Bridge closes to cars for 6 months
A temporary footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists will be built over the Floating Harbour as Prince Street Bridge is closed for repairs later this month.
Motorists will be unable to use Prince Street Bridge for six months from August 17 while the bridge is swung into the fully open position.
This will be to allow “essential structural refurbishment works” which will include removing the existing surfacing and decking on the bridge and to then replace or refurbish any corroded cross beams where necessary.
is needed now More than ever
The three-metre wide temporary footbridge with ramps and landings will be installed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross in both directions.
City council service director for transport Peter Mann said: “Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour is a major asset for the city and creates many opportunities for us. It also means that many of the bridges are old and require occasional, sometimes complicated maintenance.
“Prince Street bridge is heavily corroded and requires this vital work to ensure the continued success of our thriving harbour, and safeguarding the smooth operation of the swing bridge also prevents future disruption.”
The council hope that the bridge will be back in full operation by April 2016.
Diversions will coincide with the work starting in September to remodel the city centre as part of the MetroBus project.
Traffic will be diverted from Prince Street to Redcliffe Hill, before taking the Commercial Road exit on Bedminster Roundabout, and proceeding to Wapping Road.
The closure comes two months after Prince Street Bridge jammed open in a heatwave.
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