Gaol Ferry Bridge: Contractors ‘setting up’ ahead of closure - but bridge still open today

Preparations to close Gaol Ferry Bridge, which provides a link for pedestrians and cyclist from south Bristol to the centre, have started - but still no date has been given for closure.

The bridge will shut this month for at least six months for repairs to its corroding and rotting steel beams. Approval for the plan was given at a cabinet meeting last month.

Today (June 6), a Bristol City Council spokesperson told BristolWorld that the bridge will remain open today, and that contractors were ‘setting up’. He added: “We will be able to give you a set date soon.”

At the entrance to the bridge, signage has gone up warning of the closure. There is also a banner encouraging people to continue using shops on Wapping Wharf, who have previously raised concerns over the loss of trade.

During the bridge closure, people will be diverted either to the Vauxhall Bridge to the west, or the Bedminster Bridge to the east, both about half a mile away.

Ideas for a temporary replacement bridge and a floating pontoon have been dismissed as unviable.

The works to Gaol Ferry Bridge are thefirst in a £15-million programme, with five other bridges seeing work done over five years.

These are the Bath Bridge, Bedminster Bridges, Langton Street Footbridge and Vauxhall Footbridge.

Last month, Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “Although I recognise this will result in some disruption for people we will stay in touch with local businesses and the community to keep everyone updated on the work.

“The diversions being put in place will be clearly signposted and communicated across all media.”