A historic cast-iron bridge that was repeatedly struck by tall vehicles and closed in 2015 has returned to its spot, set slightly higher, in a US$1.3 million restoration.
Kingsweston Bridge, Bristol, UK, is craned back into place after restoration. Credit: Bristol City Council
Last winter, specialist heritage contractors Dorothea Restoration dismantled the Kingsweston Bridge, which dates from 1800, and transported it to a workshop in Bristol in the south west of England. Restorers stripped paint off the ironwork and assessed the components before repairing and – where necessary – recasting components.
Meanwhile, Bristol Council was building up the stone abutments either side of the bridge. The structure was put back using a crane last week.
Bristol Council will now install new steps up to the bridge and it will be reopened in July.
The project cost US$1.3 million and was funded by the council’s highway infrastructure bridge investment fund.
