The Winterstoke Road Bridge in Weston-super-Mare, an enduring symbol of wartime industry and local connectivity, will be demolished on Christmas Day. Originally constructed during the Second World War to serve nearby aircraft factories, this 80-year-old bridge now supports approximately 20,000 vehicles daily, linking the town’s suburbs across a busy railway line.
North Somerset Council has chosen Christmas Day for demolition because it is the one day in the UK when trains do not run, minimizing disruption to the critical Exeter to Bristol railway route. The bridge, now closed for 18 months, is being replaced to ensure the region’s infrastructure meets future demands.
Council leader Mike Bell highlighted the bridge’s significance: “Winterstoke Road Bridge has been a cornerstone of Weston’s history—first supporting the war effort, then serving the community’s growing transport needs. Its replacement is a long-term investment designed to last 120 years and will boost capacity while enhancing reliability for future growth.”
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The new structure will also promote sustainable travel, with improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and increased weight limits to accommodate buses and heavier vehicles, reflecting a commitment to greener transport options.
The bridge’s origins trace back to 1940, when the RAF requisitioned Weston Airfield amid the Battle of Britain. As the Ministry of Aircraft Production expanded operations, including the Oldmixon factory producing the Bristol Beaufighter fighter plane, the Winterstoke Road Bridge was constructed to facilitate worker access.
After the war, the bridge opened to the public, transitioning the area’s industry from wartime aviation to housing development and continued aerospace manufacturing, including maintenance and Westland Helicopters.
Local Heritage Champion John Crockford-Hawley praised the bridge as a monument to the area’s aviation heritage and RAF contributions. “While we must bid farewell to the historic structure, the stories of Winterstoke Road and its iconic aircraft will remain an enduring part of our local history.”
During the replacement process, pedestrians and cyclists can use a temporary footbridge. Motorists face detours via Flowerdown Bridge, with North Somerset Council advising that nearby roundabouts will experience increased traffic congestion.
The new 60-meter bridge, weighing over 2,000 tonnes, will be supported by 24 steel-cased concrete piles drilled 35 meters into stable mudstone to withstand Somerset’s soft ground. Construction involves diverting existing utilities, building sections off-site, and craning them into position once the foundations are secure.
Despite having no current military function, the Ministry of Defence is funding most of the £20 million replacement cost. Ownership will transfer to North Somerset Council upon completion, who will maintain the bridge for the foreseeable future.