The Bristol & Bath Railway Path between Teewell Hill and west of Staple Hill Tunnel will reopen on Friday 1st May.
This section has been closed since last October for essential bridge widening work and the project has taken much longer than anticipated. A signed diversion route for pedestrians and cyclists has been in place.
The closed section has been used as a construction site to build foundations to hold the wider bridge in place. The new bridge will also provide footways for pedestrians and improved cycle facilities.
There is still some additional work to carry out, but apart from short closures lasting a day or less, the path will be fully reopened to pedestrians and cyclists from the beginning of May, South Gloucestershire Council announced today.
The council’s head of StreetCare and Transport Mark King said: “The railway path will reopen in time for the first May Bank Holiday weekend, ensuring cyclists and walkers will be able to use the route for leisure, or as part of their commute.
“We do apologise for any inconvenience caused while these essential works have been carried out and thank residents for their patience throughout the extended closure.
“Before we can reopen the path on 1st May there is still some remaining work to complete the new arch above the path, cap the piling, and carry out maintenance to the old masonry arch.
“When this has been completed the path will be cleaned and tidied and the fencing will be re-positioned. Additional work to complete the bridge widening improvements will continue over the next three months which will require short-term closures from time to time.
“Any such closures will be clearly signposted in advance and we will keep residents notified via our website and social media.”
While the railway path has been closed, essential maintenance work has also been carried out to Staple Hill Tunnel, including re-pointing the arch and airshafts.
