Banana Bridge to shut for repairs

A BRISTOL footbridge will close next month for a year-and-a-half while major repair work takes place. Langton Street Bridge, also known as The Banana Bridge, is set to close on Monday, May 13 for a full refurbishment of the structure.

It crosses the New Cut of the River Avon between Bedminster Bridge and Bath Bridge, linking the north and south of the river. Work will include removing the surface, repairing the structure and masonry, and repainting the bridge.

The footbridge will be closed throughout the project, which is anticipated to take up to 18 months. The length of the repairs will depend on what condition the bridge is in upon further detailed inspection.

Built in 1883, the Grade II listed iron and steel footbridge was initially used as a temporary crossing while Bedminster Bridge was being constructed. When Bedminster Bridge was completed in 1884 the temporary bridge was moved up the river to Langton Street.

Langton Street was destroyed by bombing in World War 2. The curved shape of Langton Street Bridge has led it to being known locally as Banana Bridge. It was later painted yellow.

It is the fourth bridge to be refurbished as part of a five-year programme of major repairs to six bridges that cross the New Cut. In September 2023, the council reopened Gaol Ferry Bridge and, in October 2023, temporarily closed Vauxhall Bridge and Sparke Evans Park Bridge for essential repairs.

Diversions will direct people either on a route via Bath Bridge on Bath Road or via Bedminster Bridge.

The restoration will cost up to £2 million, funded by the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.