Historic bridge to close to traffic for major repairs

A Victorian swivel bridge will be closing to traffic to enable essential repairs to be carried out.

Prince Street Bridge, built in 1879, will be closed to all vehicles from 7 December until summer 2027, according to Bristol City Council.

The £465,000 project will focus on repairing and upgrading the Grade II-listed bridge's swing mechanism, the control systems and restoration work to the historic pumphouse.

Councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the Harbour Committee, said the work would "preserve important heritage assets" while ensuring they remain safe for future generations.

The iron bridge remains an operational part of the harbour, retaining much of its original character including elements of the hydraulic machinery used to open and close it.

"We're incredibly fortunate to have a working historic harbour at the heart of Bristol," Brown said.

"However, much of the infrastructure that supports it is ageing and requires ongoing investment and specialist maintenance.

"These repairs form part of our wider programme of investment across the harbour, helping us preserve important heritage assets while ensuring they remain safe, reliable and fit for future generations."

He added that given the "small" volume of vehicles that use the bridge, "we expect there will be minimal effects on the wider network".

The bridge is currently only open to southbound traffic, but will become fully pedestrianised as part of a £2.3m scheme to promote active travel in the city.

The works have been planned to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge throughout most of the work.

Access will be maintained on one side while repairs are carried out on the other.

A small number of short-term full closures, expected to last no more than one day at a time, will also be required.

The dates for these closures will be displayed in advance on signs near to the bridge.

Further information on diversion routes will be made available on the council's Harbour Improvement website.

Boats with a height of 2.1m (6.8ft) or less above the waterline can continue to pass beneath the bridge while repairs are under way.

However, the bridge will be unable to swing open for larger vessels until the repairs are complete.

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