Footbridge reopens after nine years of closure

A Grade II-listed cast iron footbridge has reopened after being closed for nine years.

After a series of truck crashes, Kingsweston Iron Bridge in Bristol was deemed too dangerous to use and was closed by the council in 2015.

Bristol City Council has now finished the £1.1m restoration project, funded by the council's Highway Infrastructure Bridge Investments fund.

Among other upgrades, the bridge has been raised by one metre to avoid further collisions.

The footbridge was built around the 1800s and spans Kingsweston Road, linking Blaise Castle Estate to Kingsweston Fields.

Initial repair work began in November, when heritage-accredited contractors dismantled the remaining structure.

Following the necessary repairs, it was craned back into place on 30 April this year.

However, the footbridge will no longer be fully accessible as steps have been added either side.

Planning officers said the size of ramp needed to make the listed bridge accessible would harm the historic heritage of the structure.

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