News / Gaol Ferry Bridge
Rees blames ‘decades of neglect’ for Gaol Ferry Bridge closure
Marvin Rees says that his administration is putting right “decades of neglect” by repairing six bridges across Bristol over the next five years.
Gaol Ferry Bridge will be the first of these to close from April for between six and nine months.
Hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists use the bridge every day to cross from Bedminster to the city centre, with Bristol City Council staff currently surveying people who cross it in order to plan for diversions when the span is closed.
is needed now More than ever
The two nearest bridges across the New Cut on either side of Gaol Ferry Bridge are Bedminster Bridge located 550 metres away and Vauxhall Bridge which is 850 metres in the other direction.
Businesses in Wapping Wharf are already concerned that the closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge will have a detrimental effect on their trade due to a predicted dramatic loss in footfall.
Gaol Ferry Bridge crosses the New Cut in the place where there used to be a ferry service – photo: Martin Booth
In his latest blog, Rees wrote: “I have written before about the importance of bridges to Bristol’s history, and although the Suspension Bridge justifiably gets the focus of postcards and other tourist memorabilia, many of us rely on the other, less celebrated bridges to move around Bristol.
“Sadly, like much of the physical infrastructure in the city they have suffered from decades of neglect. We’re now attempting to put that right.
“We are in the process of seeking funding as part of our City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement bid to the Department for Transport via WECA for a £15m programme to refurbish and repair six key bridges during the next five years…
“We know that this work will cause inconvenience for people as they are used by thousands every day, but they are all in need of repair.
“We will do everything we can to minimise the impact to people’s day-to-day lives, but there is no alternative for these busy and well-used routes.”
Rees added that the city council is “being proactive in getting the funding necessary to secure our city’s bridges, to ensure they will connect Bristol for generations to come”.
Almost identical to Gaol Ferry Bridge is Sparke Evans Park Bridge, which is among half a dozen bridges across the city that will be repaired over the next five years – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Rees: ‘The bridge, the Gorge and balloons are not central to my city’s identity’
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