Council explains ‘safety concerns’ behind lane closure on Bristol A4174 bridge

South Gloucestershire Council has revealed more on the safety concerns which have led to a lane closure on the Avon Valley Bridge of the Bristol ring road (A4174) between Hicks Gate and Longwell Green. The lane was closed from this morning (December 21), and is likely to remain shut until the New Year, the council said in a social media post yesterday.

After much speculation last night on the ‘safety concerns’, Bristol World asked the council what they were. A spokesperson said they were over a rubber and steel joint linking the bridge to the road. Specialist contractors have been arranged to replace it.

They said: “We have closed the first lane on the southbound A4174 at the Avon Valley Bridge as a precautionary measure while we carry out further assessments on the expansion joint between the bridge and the adjoining road surface.

“This joint is a rubber and steel construction and can wear over time. We will be arranging for specialist contractors to replace the joint as soon as possible.”

In the post tweeted by the council yesterday, the StreetCare team apologised for any inconvenicence the lane closure could cause, but said the closure was ‘necessary at this time’.

On social media, some were not surprised the work was needed. Ron Fry said: “No surprise really …l walk under this bridge with the bride most days. The clatter from high level expansion joint has increased over the last few weeks.”

The bridge is high up above the River Avon and is between the junctions at Hicks Gate and Longwell Green. It provides a segregated cycle and footpath with views looking down on the valley.