Lots of work has already been carried out, but the bridge has not yet been raised - which means it likely won't reopen for a few months yet

Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest local and breaking news in Bristol.

Bristol City Council and contractor Alun Griffiths are currently working on a major refurbishment of the well-used Redcliffe bascule bridge over Bristol's floating harbour, which opened in 1942. The project includes structural, mechanical and electrical repairs to allow the bascule span to be raised properly to let larger boats through - it will also protect the structural integrity of the bridge, reducing the need for future repairs.

Since taking on the contract at the start of June 2022, after previous contractor Cleveland Bridge UK Limited went into administration and ceased trading, Griffiths has carried out a series of improvements to the bridge, though most of these can't be seen by the public as they say they are within the structure that lies beneath the road surface. Having been unable to get into the machinery of the bridge until now, engineers have uncovered more of it, which will have an impact on the planned programme as the bridge is made operational and safe.

Work so far has included refurbishment to the steelwork, concrete, painting, glazing, electrical works and mechanical works (you can find the full list below). The bridge has been closed since the start of August in preparation for the span to be raised, to allow the 70-year-old mechanical and electrical systems to be repaired and upgraded.

Read more: Redcliffe Bridge closure: First Bus route changes in full as repairs continue

However, when removing the brakes, one shaft had to be removed from the gearbox and, upon further inspection of the gearbox itself, it became apparent that it would need its own refurbishment. According to experts, the bearings on the input drive shaft were "badly scored and could fall imminently".

If the bearings were to fall during a bridge lift, the potential delay would run into months, as opposed to weeks. Contractor Alun Griffiths said: "The decision was taken to remove the bearings and procure new sets for the input and output shafts.

"These bearings are made of bronze and need to be cast and machined and re-fitted, extending the work by approximately five weeks before the bridge can be lifted. This means rather than lifting the bridge in August, it is now likely to be lifted in September."

The contractor added that all work has not stopped, despite the bridge not being able to be lifted just yet - the safety gates are being worked on currently, though while this happens the bridge will not be reopening in the meantime. It said: "We will continue to work to refurbish the safety gates in preparation for fitting new motors and further safety features. There are four gate pits which need structural repairs, and each will take around one week.

"The failed waterproofing on the opening span of the bridge was due to be removed when the bridge was lowered back down, but Griffiths will move this work forward to run alongside the gate pit work, in the five-week extension. If Griffiths is to carry out works on the bridge deck, it will need to be free of traffic.

"All traffic will be required to follow the diversion route already in place. We are sequencing bridge deck work to enable the temporary opening of a pedestrian footway and a cycle lane, which should remain in place until the bridge is lifted in September.

"The bridge should be lowered again approximately eight weeks later in November and reopened to all traffic, albeit under lane restrictions, while surfacing work is carried out."

Here's a full list of work carried out so far in more detail: