What you should know as bridge revamp work begins
Bristol City CouncilWork to change the layout of two busy city centre bridges has begun.
Initial work on the Bedminster Bridges started on Monday before major construction work starts in the autumn.
The bridges currently function as a roundabout, but concerns had been raised about the frequency of crashes and the level of congestion.
With the work set to take three weeks, here is what you should know about the scheme.
What is being done now?
The work being done now involves inspecting the site and preparing it for the major overhaul in the autumn.
The change to the layout was initially due to happen in the spring but this has been delayed due to its complexity.
The work carried out over the next three weeks includes:
- Digs to find underground utilities and to check ground conditions
- Investigation of the existing road layers to plan resurfacing work
- Removing 15 trees in the area, which will later be replaced by 50 new trees
Will the roads in the area be closed?
No, roads will not be fully closed during the initial work.
Instead, a series of lane closures will be put in place outside peak traffic times, with workers on site between 09:30 GMT and 15:30 each day.
What will the roads look like after the layout is changed?
When the work is completed, Bedminster Old Bridge will become two-way for buses and taxis only, and Bedminster New Bridge will become two-way for other traffic.
Separate cycle paths, quicker crossings and increased pavement space will also improve other types of transport.
The underpass on Redcliff Hill will also be removed and a new public space created around it.
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