About Winterstoke Road replacement bridge scheme

Winterstoke Road bridge is a vital transport link in Weston-super-Mare with many residents and businesses relying on it to get around. The bridge offers a road and foot crossing over a mainline railway between Bristol and Taunton. 

It was originally built during the Second World War to help support the war effort. Due to its age, it is now approaching a condition where, if not replaced, it would have to permanently close within the next five to 10 years.

The age and condition of the existing bridge also mean that there is currently a 7.5T weight restriction in place to prevent larger vehicles from using it. A new bridge would allow us to lift this restriction for the benefit local businesses and ensure the transport link remains open for years to come.   

The planned replacement of Winterstoke Road bridge is being funded by the Ministry of Defence with the project delivered by North Somerset Council. Project contractors Octavius joined the team in October 2024. Works to replace the bridge are due to begin in late 2025, with the new bridge expected to open to traffic in 2027.

Key project objectives and deliverables are:

• designed to meet the needs of all delivery partners
• designed for a 120-year lifespan, meeting North Somerset Council standards 
• satisfy all statutory processes 
• include multi-modal access for cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists 
• Minimise impact to the local community during construction 
• not introduce unnecessary operational and maintenance constraints 
• deliver social value through the scheme 
• consider carbon management in construction with ambition to get as close to net zero carbon as possible 
• enable the future electrification of the railway  
• deliver sustainability principles of CEEQUAL

If possible, the project shall: 

• satisfy the reasonable requirements of local community groups 
• enhance the local environment through sensitive design and construction activities 

The Ministry of Defence own the bridge and are funding the bridge’s replacement, ensuring that this important piece of infrastructure is maintained for years to come.

Network Rail manage the railway line and are working closely with the project team to ensure that the works can be delivered safely. They will advise and help to coordinate access onto the railway line for construction works.