A HUGE 43 metre-long temporary footbridge was craned into place over rail lines on the outskirts of Weston-Super-Mare over the weekend.
The crossing, at Winterstoke Road, was put in place ahead of work to demolish and replace the current bridge, which is coming to the end of its useful life.
Originally, the current Winterstoke Road Bridge was built during the Second World War and now has a weight restriction for heavier vehicles.
Without replacement, the crossing would have to close to all traffic permanently within the next five to 10 years, North Somerset Council (NSC) said.
Demolition of the existing bridge is due to start in December, followed by works to build a new one that will secure this important route along Winterstoke Road for the next 125 years.
Residents will face disruption during the work, with road closures and diversions in place.
However, in order to allow walkers and cyclists to continue crossing the rail lines safely, the temporary bridge has been installed.
So, at the weekend (September 27 and 29), a massive 750-tonne crane lifted the structure into place.
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Councillor Mike Bell, leader at NSC, said: “Winterstoke Road has a long history of serving our area, with the bridge dating back over 80 years to when it connected Weston’s workers with the RAF’s aeroplane factory.
“Many decades on from the war effort, it remains important infrastructure that many of us use day-in, day-out. Whether travelling between family, friends, work or leisure, the bridge supports hundreds of journeys a week, which is why it’s critical that we prepare for the future and build a replacement bridge that can serve many generations to come.
“As the bridge crosses over an active rail line, there will be a period during construction where there is no access for vehicles. We appreciate that this will add more pressure onto other roads at times.
“It is hoped the temporary footbridge will provide a well-used alternative during construction, giving local people more choice as to how they get from A to B.”
The Winterstoke Road Bridge is set to be replaced. Picture: North Somerset Council
Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, ward member for Weston-super-Mare Winterstoke, added: “While it won’t be suitable for all journeys, each shorter and more manageable trip taken over the footbridge can reduce the number of cars using diversion routes, meaning we can each do our bit to improve traffic flows for our family, friends and neighbours when they do need to use the roads.”
And Chris Hudson, operations director at Octavius Infrastructure which is carrying out the work, said: “The replacement of the Winterstoke Road Bridge is a major civil engineering undertaking, made especially complex by deep, soft ground conditions that make substructure works challenging.
“To keep the community connected, we have now successfully installed a 43-metre-long temporary footbridge over the operational railway.
“This required multidisciplinary design, precision planning, and strong foundations – including 18 deep-driven piles, reinforced concrete pile caps, and robust support trestles – as well as the use of a 750-tonne crane to lift the footbridge into place.
“Although earlier installation attempts were delayed by weather, that time was used effectively to progress other critical works. This milestone showcases the expertise and collaboration of everyone involved and marks an important step forward in delivering this project for the community and North Somerset Council.”
The replacement of Winterstoke Road Bridge is being funded by the Ministry of Defence.
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