West Country bridges set to reopen in 2026 after long closures

Several key bridges across the West of England are scheduled to reopen in 2026 after years of disruption.

Many of these bridges have been shut for years due to serious structural problems, while others have faced setbacks after engineers uncovered damage during repairs.

Most of the projects are now scheduled to finish in 2026, although progress will depend on weather conditions and specialist work.

Here is a closer look at the bridges due to reopen and some of the challenges faced along the way.

The A432 Badminton Road bridge over the M4 in South Gloucestershire closed in July 2023, when cracking and deterioration were found during a routine inspection.

The bridge has been shut since with National Highways closing the M4 which runs beneath it to allow for repair work to take place, including the demolition of the old bridge and installation of new beams.

The closure has caused huge disruption in the area with some businesses telling the BBC it has left them “totally cut off”.

National Highways has said the new bridge is due to reopen in spring 2026.

“In the new year, we’ll be working more on the sides of the bridge and eventually reconnecting it to the existing A432”, said Sean Walsh, route manager for National Highways.

“Whilst all work in the new year is weather dependent, we are on course to reopen the bridge in the spring and thank drivers and local residents for their continued patience.”

Hambrook Bridge in Cheltenham, known locally as Spring Bridge, was heavily damaged by a partial collapse in May 2024.

A section of the A40 London Road in Charlton Kings has been closed since, with plans to partially re-open it postponed after engineers found it was in “much worse condition” than first thought.

The works, which have been causing major disruption in the area, were due to finish in December but have been pushed back to spring 2026.

Gloucestershire County Council councillor Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways, said that the bridge had underlying problems and the council needed to deploy a specialist to help preserve the bridge’s heritage.

He said they are committed to completing the works as quickly as possible.

Bristol City Council has been restoring eight bridges that cross the New Cut of the River Avon over the past five years.

The bridges that remain closed are Vauxhall Bridge, Sparke Evans Park Bridge, Bathurst Swing Bridge and the twin bridges on Bedminster Bridge roundabout.

Bristol City Council has said the bridges are “well on the way to delivery in 2026”.

The works are part of a £16m programme that has seen the Gaol Ferry Bridge and Bath New Bridge restored and reopened.

In Taunton, a footbridge over the River Tone is to be installed in 2026 before reopening to pedestrians and cyclists.

Currently, cyclists wishing to use the bridge, which links Morrisons with Coal Orchard, have to dismount as it is too narrow for cyclists and pedestrians to safely share the same space.

“Work is likely to take place early in 2026”, a council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Work to dual a carriageway of the A350 in Chippenham, which connects the south coast with the M4, Bristol and the Midlands, started in 2025 and is expected to be finished later in 2026.

The work is costing about £32.3m, with £26.6m coming from funding by central government.

As part of the scheme, work is taking place under an existing railway bridge and another bridge across Pudding Brook just south of Chequers Roundabout has already been constructed.

The Department for Transport said, once completed, the changes will shave up to 25% off journey times, reducing air pollution and improving safety.