'Cheese-grater bridge' set to close for four weeks

A screenshot from Google street view showing the metal bridge with thousands of small holes on either walled side. There are pedestrians and one cyclist crossing the bridge. In the background there is a large office building with lots of windows and blue panelling. Image source, Google
Image caption,

The bridge, built in 2008, will be completely closed to all users while maintenance works are completed

  • Published

A cycle and pedestrian harbour crossing in Bristol know as the "cheese-grater bridge" is scheduled to close for four weeks to allow for essential maintenance and strengthening works.

Meads Reach Bridge, in Temple Quay, will be completely closed to all users from Monday.

The 180ft (55m) long structure closed in 2017 for two years after a lorry driver attempted to cross it, causing "extensive damage" to the metal deck panels.

The commercial property company that manages the crossing said maintenance works would ensure "the continued safety and integrity" of the 17-year-old bridge".

An aerial image showing the metal bridge over a brown-green river. The deck panels have been lifted during resurfacing work. In the background you can see trains on the track at Temple Meads Station. Image source, Avison Young Property Management Consultancy
Image caption,

The bridge is perforated with 55,000 holes - earning it the nickname "the cheese-grater"

Meads Reach Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge designed to link a new mixed-use development at Temple Quay with the Bristol Temple Meads Station.

During the closure, cyclists and pedestrians are asked to use either Valentines Bridge or Temple Bridge, located on Temple Way, as alternative routes.

Avison Young Property Management Consultancy, who manage the bridge, said: "We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all visitors and staff during these essential works, which are being carried out to ensure the continued safety and integrity of the structure."

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