Bath’s Destructor Bridge reopened to traffic flowing in one direction this week – more than seven years after it closed.
The old single-lane bridge closed in April 2013 and a 400-tonne, two-lane replacement was finally put in place at the third attempt in August 2016 after a £3.6million government grant, opening to pedestrians that December.
It has now opened to northbound vehicles only, with the other lane a three-metre corridor for pedestrians and cyclists to encourage more sustainable travel across the city.
Bath and North East Somerset Council says restricting through-traffic supports its plans for low traffic neighbourhoods, giving pedestrians and cyclists an alternative to the congested Lower Bristol Road.
Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for transport services, said: “We realise that the community has been waiting a long time for the Destructor Bridge to reopen, so I’m delighted that we have now been able to officially do so.
“It will get traffic moving in the city at the same time as prioritising travel by bus, foot and bike, helping to create a low traffic neighbourhood by encouraging active travel.
“We are grateful to the ward councillors and other members of the community who have supported us throughout the project.
“We have considered carefully the impact vehicles exiting Midland Road would have on Lower Bristol Road, which already carries a high volume of traffic.
“We have therefore made the decision to restrict vehicle access to one-way northbound to prevent congestion. It will also help avoid rat-running taking place through Bath.”
Bus travel will be encouraged by bus stops on Stothert Avenue, Midland Road and a new bus gate on Stothert Avenue, enforced by ANPR cameras in line with other bus gates in the city.
The bus gate allows buses to pass through and serve the new community without getting caught in traffic on the Lower Bristol Road and Windsor Bridge Road, giving more reliable journey times and encouraging sustainable travel.
The Destructor Bridge was previously only open to southbound traffic. The council is asking drivers to note that they will not be able to travel from Upper Bristol Road to Lower Bristol Road as they did before it closed.
The new bridge was delivered by Crest for the council as part of the wider site infrastructure, funded with a £3.6million Homes England and MHCLG Growing Places grant.
