Some of the work is done

Image: © Neil Owen Taken: 14 Mar 2023

Gaol Ferry Bridge was built in 1935 and, somewhat surprisingly, is not a swing bridge - unlike Vauxhall Bridge downstream. It was thought unnecessary as marine traffic on the New Cut was diminishing. Even so, the steel lattice structure is now in a parlous state and requiring urgent repairs. What was expected to be a tough job has proved even tougher since the covers were removed. Having removed a lot of the decking and the supports, a plastic 'tent' has been put in place whilst paint-stripping and rust blasting is carried out and materials prevented from dropping into the river below. Some of the steel has already been treated this way. Currently the timescale has been extended and the costs projected to be around £1.5 million.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0