The Bascule Bridge in Redcliffe is undergoing repairs

The bridge crosses the harbour from Redcliffe Way to Welsh Back

A bridge has been closed to vehicles while it undergoes repair work.

The Bascule Bridge in Redcliffe has been shut to vehicles while repair work, expected to cost £2.85m, starts.

Diversions are currently in place via Bristol Bridge and restrictions to drivers that would normally result in fines have been temporarily lifted.

Repair work started in January 2021 and the next phase of work is expected to take at least 10 weeks to complete.

During the refurbishment, important structural, mechanical and electrical repairs will be carried out, to allow the bridge to open properly and let larger boats through.

The work will also protect the structural integrity of the bridge, which will reduce the need for more repairs in the future.

The contractor went into administration before the job was complete, forcing the work to be paused.

A new contractor is carrying out the work and is expected to be finished in early 2023.

Bristol City Council has published diversion maps for traffic, public transport and pedestrians so people can check before they travel.