Construction company Octavius has been appointed as contractor by North Somerset Council to replace the Winterstoke Road Bridge.

The bridge was built during the Second World War and, due its age and condition, it has a 7.5T weight limit and is expected to permanently close within the next five to ten years. 

Therefore, the council has developed plans for a replacement bridge which would remove the weight limit and maintain access for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists for decades to come. 

-- Advertisement --

The replacement bridge is being funded by the Ministry of Defence and construction is expected to start next year.

Chris Hudson, Octavius Delivery Director for Highways, said: "This is an interesting project as we will be replacing a bridge that was originally built by the Ministry of Defence in 1943. 

"The route over the bridge provides access to industrial and residential areas to and from the Weston-super-Mare town centre and the design development phase has already begun. 

"The replacement will be meticulously planned and we will adopt methodologies that ensure we minimise disruption to businesses and the local community.

"We currently expect activities will commence at the site from early 2025, with the new bridge due to be completed in spring 2027."