The UK's new £11m bridge in seaside town as 80-year-old structure demolished

A new £11million bridge is set to be built in a UK seaside town after its more than 80-year-old predecessor was demolished. The Winterstoke Road Bridge in Weston-super-Mare dates back to the Second World War, and works took place over the Christmas period to destroy it, as well as level out its abutments and connecting road.

Its replacement will be stronger and more reliable, officials say, and will ensure access on Winterstoke Road - a key transport link through the coastal town - for the next 120 years. When the route closed to traffic at the end of November 2025, the original bridge was used by around 20,000 vehicles a day, North Somerset Council said. Project contractors, Octavius, will now start several months of piling and foundation works that are "vital to sturdy construction of the replacement bridge".

The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2027, the council says on its website, and will include multi-modal access for cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists, and enable the future electrification of the railway.

The project is being funded by the Ministry of Defence.

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: "I'd like to thank residents for their patience - and their interest - as the historic Winterstoke Road Bridge was removed over the Christmas break. Demolition allows us to enter a new phase of work, as we deliver a crucial replacement bridge that's built to last 120 years.

"In replacing Winterstoke Road Bridge, we're making a key, long-term investment into local infrastructure - an investment that will maintain and expand current road capacity while also building the resilience and reliability needed to prepare for future growth.

"Because of challenging ground conditions, it's vital that the replacement bridge is built with deep and strong foundations. These works below ground level will take place over the next few months.

"Finally, I'd also like to thank the hard work and engineering expertise of our project contractors, Octavius, who have been integral to the smooth and successful removal of the original bridge."

Chris Hudson, operations director at Octavius Infrastructure, said: "The successful removal of Winterstoke Road Bridge over the Christmas period was the result of detailed planning and close collaboration with North Somerset Council and our supply chain partners.

"Completing this complex demolition safely and ahead of programme within a 52-hour rail possession, while working hard to minimise disruption to local residents, is a significant milestone and allows the project to move fully into the construction phase."