Iron bridge reopened after being damaged nine years ago
A HISTORIC Bristol bridge has finally reopened after nine years of works.
Kingsweston Iron Bridge closed in 2015 after a series of collisions involving trucks caused major structural damage.
Restoration work on the Grade IIlisted footbridge, which spans Kings Weston Road in Sea Mills, began in November 2023 when it was dismantled and transported to a workshop to be repaired. Work was then carried out to raise the bridge’s position by moving the stone abutments either side.
The bridge was craned into its new position in April 2024. The final works added steps and handrails before it was ready to be reopened.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “I am delighted to see Kingsweston Iron Bridge open once again after nine years. I know local people and visitors to the area will be thrilled to have this important connection back in use.
“Well done to the project team for leading a restoration project that is both sensitive to its historic structure and its setting. These works have restored this beautiful historic footbridge, raising it out of harm’s way of HGVs, and I am sure it will be enjoyed both now and by future generations.
“I would like to thank the local people, who use and love this bridge, for their patience whilst we have been making sure we get this right for the long-term future.”
Sea Mills resident Malcolm Gray said: “As a dog owner living in Sea Mills it will be great to be able to safely cross this busy road after nine long years of waiting for Bristol City Council to get it’s act together. I’ve lived in the area all of my life. I first used the iron bridge back in the 1960s when I was a child. If you have lived in Shirehampton, Lawrence Weston, Sea Mills or Coombe Dingle, the iron bridge has been a constant feature. We’re really pleased to have this back in our lives.”