Kingweston Iron Bridge works starts after eight years

The bridge has been closed for eight years

Work to repair a Grade II-listed footbridge which has been closed for eight years starts today.

Kingsweston Iron Bridge in Bristol was deemed too dangerous to use by the city council in 2015 after being struck by trucks more than once.

The authority closed it to the public and it has been propped up by scaffolding since then.

Kingsweston Road will be closed from November 27 for two weeks to allow the work to take place.

The £1.1million works will see the cast iron footbridge fully restored and raised by 3ft 3in (1m), with steps added either side.

The ironbridge has been propped up with scaffolding since 2015

Disability campaigners have previously criticised the plans that they say will make it inaccessible for wheelchairs and children's buggies. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said at the time discussions would continue.

The bridge was damaged in 2015 by a truck, which was too large to drive underneath it and struck the east underside. The same happened to the north underside in 2018.

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