M5 cycle and pedestrian bridge now open

The Highways Agency opened a new bridge over the M5 this week, near St Bede's Catholic College in Lawrence Weston, north-west Bristol, bringing an important link for pedestrians and cyclists back into action.

The new structure, which has been installed in a joint venture with Bristol City Council, is a low maintenance, single-span steel bridge suitable for all non-motorised users.

Cllr Dr Jon Rogers crossing the M5 Lawrence Weston bridge

(picture credit: Martin McDonnell, Bristol Cycling Campaign)

It replaces the original Lawrence Weston Bridge, located just north of junction 18, which was demolished on Christmas Day 2009 following several hits from high vehicles that caused irreparable damage.

As well as providing a safe route for commuters travelling to and from Avonmouth the new bridge also forms an important link in one of the Bristol's key cycle routes towards the Bristol Channel, Severn Beach and on into Wales.

Cllr Jon Rogers, Bristol's Executive Member for Cycling City said: "This cycling and pedestrian bridge provides an essential link between Bristol and workplaces in Avonmouth as well as coastal routes to Severn Beach and Wales.

"Benefiting commuters and leisure cyclists alike, the Cycling City project is delighted to support the installation of this new bridge as it makes it easier for people to walk and travel by bicycle and, particularly as we head into Spring, enjoy the fresh air."

Highways Agency Project Sponsor Dave Frampton said, "We are delighted to have worked on this important joint venture with Bristol City Council and are pleased the installation has been achieved with a minimum of disruption.

"The new bridge was manufactured in three sections before being transported to the site where it was assembled and lifted into place during an overnight closure of the M5 on February 12.

"The entire operation was completed to schedule and the motorway was re-opened by 10am the next morning. Six weeks of completion work has followed but most of this has taken place on the verge, without impacting road users."

The bridge was due to be installed in February but was delayed due to high winds. It can be found at the eastern end of Lawrence Weston Road as the road crosses the M5, as shown on Google maps.