When the Grade II-listed Langton Street Bridge (affectionately known as the Banana Bridge) closed on 13th May 2024, we were told that the extensive restoration works could take up to 18 months. FrANC then received an email from the Council’s Transport Engagement Team in July to let us know about additional emergency works to the New Cut river wall along York Road as electronic sensors showed that movement of a 120 metre stretch of masonry wall near near the bridge was speeding up, and that the river wall could fail if urgent action was not taken.

Given the initial estimated timescale, and the additional emergency work required, it was a very pleasant surprise to discover that the bridge would re-open several months ahead of schedule on 20th June.

The bridge was officially re-opened by The Lord Mayor of Bristol, accompanied by the mayor of the West of England and pupils from Oasis Academy Temple Quarter. 

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “I am delighted that we have reopened Banana Bridge as I know many of the pupils from nearby schools and plenty of local people have missed being able to use it, so we will all be pleased it has reopened early.”

FrANC member Sarah Townsend was at the ceremony and we thank her for the use of her photos (click to enlarge).