Drivers face further wait for Clevedon Bridge reopening
The reopening of Bath’s Cleveland Bridge has been pushed back.
The crossing was going to reopen at the end of September, but now the plan is to have a staged reopening in October.
After further investigations, the project team found there was a need for temporary supports which will have to be designed, approved, and independently checked before being submitted to the Highways Authority for approval.
Bath and North East Somerset Council said the actions were “critical” to ensure the bridge’s safety.
The closure has caused additional traffic delays in the city.
Only pedestrians, cyclists and cars under traffic-light control will be able to use the bridge when it reopens in October, until the repairs are fully completed.
Cllr Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport, said: “This is a complex project and our project team is working closely with the contractor to keep the delay to as short a time as is possible.
“We apologise for the delay to our target reopening, but as we all know safety has to come first.
“It was not possible to anticipate the need for these particular supports until the concrete had been fully removed, and we will always keep you informed of any change in the anticipated reopening.”
Work on the £3.8 million project to repair and safeguard the Grade II listed structure began in May with temporary traffic signals before the bridge was closed to all vehicle traffic in June.
The works include repairs to the bridge deck and concrete supporting structure, along with repainting of the cast-iron arches and parapets and waterproofing to prevent future weather damage. The project is funded through the government’s Highways Challenge Fund.
Diversion routes for the city centre and through traffic on the A36 via South Gloucestershire are available at: https://beta.bathnes.gov. uk/cleveland-bridge-renovationproject/planning-your-journey.