The Winterstoke Road Bridge in Weston-super-Mare, a vital artery used by approximately 20,000 vehicles daily, is scheduled for demolition on Christmas Day. Originally constructed during the Second World War to facilitate access to aircraft factories, this 80-year-old bridge has now reached the end of its service life and is closed for an 18-month replacement project.
North Somerset Council confirmed the demolition will take place on December 25th, taking advantage of the one day in the UK when rail services along the busy Exeter-Bristol line pause, ensuring the work proceeds without disruption to train traffic.
Council leader Mike Bell highlighted the bridge’s longstanding importance, stating, “Winterstoke Road Bridge has been central to Weston residents, starting with its key role in our town’s aviation history and now supporting daily journeys that connect homes and businesses. Its replacement will secure road capacity and durability well into the next century.”
The new bridge is designed with future-proofing in mind. It will accommodate heavier vehicles unrestricted by current weight limits, expand capacity, and promote sustainable travel through improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge’s history traces back to 1940, when Weston Airfield was requisitioned by the RAF amid the Battle of Britain. The Ministry of Aircraft Production established an aircraft factory at Oldmixon, making the construction of Winterstoke Road Bridge essential for worker access. Post-war, the bridge transitioned from a military asset to a public route supporting the town’s evolving industrial needs, including the production of prefabricated homes and maintenance facilities linked to Westland Helicopters.
North Somerset Heritage Champion John Crockford-Hawley remarked, “Winterstoke Road Bridge stands as a testament to our local aviation heritage and the RAF’s impact. Although we bid farewell to the original structure, its legacy will endure in our community’s story.”
Since closing to traffic in November, the bridge’s replacement is anticipated to open in 2027. A temporary footbridge now serves pedestrians and cyclists, while motorists must detour via Flowerdown Bridge. The council has cautioned that traffic around the Airport and Runway roundabouts is expected to increase during the prolonged construction period.
The new 60-meter bridge, weighing over 2,000 tonnes, requires deep foundations supported by 24 steel-cased concrete piles drilled 35 meters into stable mudstone to anchor it safely in Somerset’s soft soils. Due to site constraints, these piles will be installed progressively, with one completed every two days.
Before construction of the bridge itself can begin, utility diversions—including cables, gas, and water mains beneath the current structure—must be completed. The bridge segments will be prefabricated off-site and later lifted into place by crane.
Though the Ministry of Defence owns the current bridge and is funding the majority of the £20 million replacement cost, its military value has diminished as the bridge now resides amid suburban development. North Somerset Council will assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities of the new structure, envisioned to serve the community for at least 120 years.