Widcombe Liberal Democrats

Victoria Bridge Update

by Ben Stevens

Earlier this month an update meeting was held to inform councillors and the public what was happening to Victoria Bridge. The meeting dwelt heavily on the heritage value of the bridge and how important it is architecturally as well as a major cycling and walking route.

Four options were put before us: rebuild the bridge piece by piece out of steel, keep the bridge made out of iron but not load baring with a second 'deck' on top, knock it down and build a beautifully architectured bridge or knock it down and build a 'functional' bridge.

The council seems to be favouring Option 1. This means that once Crest have secured the site a temporary route accross the bridge will be opened up. It is anticipated that this will take place at the end of May. However, at the end of 2012 the bridge will have to close again while the full refurbishment is carried out and this could take another year.

Your councillors will continue to push Crest and the council to ensure that the swiftest most appropriate solution is found.