The Winterstoke Road Bridge in Weston-super-Mare, a structure with deep roots in the Second World War, is set for demolition on Christmas Day. Originally constructed to support wartime aircraft production, the 80-year-old bridge has long been a crucial crossing over the railway, used by around 20,000 vehicles daily.
Built during World War II to link the town to aircraft factories—most notably for the Bristol Beaufighter fighter plane—the bridge played an essential role in the local war effort. After the war, it opened to the public, continuing to serve the community as the area’s industry shifted towards housing and aircraft maintenance. The bridge became a vital infrastructure element connecting homes and businesses while supporting the evolving needs of Weston-super-Mare.
North Somerset Council has announced the bridge will be demolished on Christmas Day, the only day trains do not operate on the busy Exeter to Bristol railway line, allowing the work to proceed without disrupting rail services.
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Mike Bell, Council leader, emphasized, “Winterstoke Road Bridge has been a mainstay for Weston residents — first integral to aviation history and now key to our local transport network, enabling 20,000 daily journeys. Replacing it with a modern structure built to last 120 years is a vital investment in our infrastructure.”
The new bridge will feature updated supports capable of handling heavier vehicles, including buses, and will encourage more sustainable travel with better provisions for cyclists and pedestrians.
The replacement process is extensive: the 60-meter bridge will be supported by steel-cased concrete piles drilled 35 meters deep into stable mudstone to prevent sinking. Construction includes diverting utilities beneath the bridge and assembling pre-fabricated sections craned into place. Project completion is expected by 2027, with a temporary footbridge and traffic diversions in place during construction.
Though no longer serving a military function, the Ministry of Defence is funding most of the £20 million replacement cost, with North Somerset Council set to assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities upon completion.
John Crockford-Hawley, North Somerset Heritage Champion, reflects on the bridge’s historic significance, saying, “While bidding farewell to this iconic wartime structure, we honor its legacy and the vital role it played in local aviation history.”
With the demolition scheduled on Christmas Day, the community will witness the end of an era for Winterstoke Road Bridge, as efforts focus on building a safer, stronger route for the future.