News / Transport
Ashton Ave swing bridge closes for 12 months
Ashton Avenue swing bridge has closed for at least 12 months for refurbishment and repair work before the popular pedestrian and cycle path becomes part of the MetroBus route.
But despite protests against running buses across the former double-decker road and rail bridge, it is likely that without the arrival of MetroBus the Grade 2 listed structure would have had to close permanently as its condition is so poor.
is needed now More than ever
The works to the bridge include shot blasting of corrosion damage, replacement of badly corroded bridge deck plates, the creation of a new 3.5-metre pedestrian and cycle track, and the creation of a separate single signalled lane for MetroBus.
A diversion for bridge users along Brunel Way is now in place, with Vauxhall Bridge and Gaol Ferry Bridge also alternative options for crossing the New Cut while the bridge is closed.
1906 Ashton Swing Bridge, Bristol BS3 http://t.co/T5fqSBVQim
— Paul Townsend (@brizzlebuff) March 9, 2014
1913 Ashton Swing Bridge, Bristol BS3 http://t.co/CBzsvcgVqL
— Paul Townsend (@brizzlebuff) March 9, 2014
- The former double-deck road and rail bridge was constructed as part of the Bristol Harbour Railway which began operating in 1872
- The bridge opened in 1906 and was used by freight trains until the mid-1980s
- The now non-existent top deck carried road traffic out of Bristol before the Cumberland Basin road network was built
Read an open letter to the mayor about MetroBus concerns
Main photo by Jon Craig