Delays to bridge reopening due to ramp being too steep

Cyclists have always had to gain a bit of extra momentum to get up a ramp that connects a park to a footbridge over the River Avon.

Sparke Evans Park Bridge between Sparke Evans Park and the Paintworks is currently being repaired and was due to reopen by October.

But it has now been revealed that under the previous mayoral administration, the ramp was somehow missed off the £2m refurbishment plans for the historic span and it is too steep for modern standards.

Reducing the gradient of the ramp will mean a delay to the reopening of the bridge until February 2026.

When repairs to Sparke Evans Park Bridge began in October 2023 as part of a major programme of repairs to multiple bridges, mostly over the New Cut, it was due to close for “up to two years”.

Lib Dem councillors for Brislington West, Andrew Varney and Jos Clark, have already informed local residents about the delay to the reopening of the suspension bridge, with most of the other repairs already completed.

Sparke Evans Park Bridge was built in 1933 by John Lysaght & Co – photo: Martin Booth

There has been no official announcement yet from Bristol City Council about the delay, but Bristol24/7 has seen an email from Green Party transport supremo, Ed Plowden, saying that the council is “taking forward the work at risk”.

Bristol24/7 understands that the ramp from the bridge into the park was not included in the scope of the original project and it has since been found to be non-compliant due to its steepness.

An application to WECA for additional funding has so far been unsuccessful and this is why the council has already started work on a new ramp with the hope that government funding will be made available at a later date.

The existing ramp is being demolished and will be replaced by a new ramp – photo: Martin Booth

In an email to a member of the public, Plowden, chair of the transport & connectivity committee, said: “In the interests of expediency, we are taking forward the work at risk, if necessary to be funded directly by BCC, as we consider this to be important to get in place, but we agree that we cannot delay any further.

“I am hopeful that WECA will decide to support this, nevertheless. I am sorry to say that this work is not due for completion until February.”

In a statement to Bristol24/7, Plowden said: “We’ve almost finished the main structural works to restore Sparke Evans Park Bridge, which includes repairing the structure, suspension cables, masonry and metalwork, and repainting it.

“However, we’ve expanded the project to include replacing the old ramp onto the bridge, which required extensive repairs and had an unsuitable gradient.

“This will improve accessibility for anyone requiring step-free access.

“We are also working to improve the lane approach before the opening and the lighting to increase visibility and help people using the area feel safe.

“These additional improvement works mean we are set to reopen the bridge in February 2026, a few months later than expected.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• The story behind Bristol’s two almost identical bridges
• Latest bridge to close for repairs for up to two years
• Council pauses plans to charge for paid-for activities in parks