SOUTH Gloucestershire Council says the the Kennedy Way footbridge in Chipping Sodbury will be demolished over the first weekend in June.
The Voice revealed last month that demolition of the early-1970s concrete structure, also known as the Banana Bridge, was included in the council’s capital programme for this year.
The authority has quickly moved to set a date for it to come down – but says it will not be replaced due to the cost, estimated to be around £5 million.
A council spokesperson said: “The Kennedy Way footbridge has reached the end of its life and needs to be removed due to the risk of it failing in the future.
“The bridge, built in the early 1970s, is now showing signs of age and deterioration. It is being taken down to remove the risk of future structural problems and to keep people safe.”
The council will close Kennedy Way, from its junction with Normandy Drive to its junction with Heron Way, while the demolition work is underway from 8pm on Friday June 5 until 6am Monday June 8.
The bridge is likely to come down at some point on Saturday.
Residents warned to expect noise
Drivers are being advised to take an alternative route using the B4059, Peg Hill, B4060, St Johns Way and unaffected parts of the A432, and residents are being warned to expect some noise from heavy machinery.
It says the alternative places to cross are via the underpass near Love Lane and Lilliput Court, and the signal-controlled toucan crossing on Kennedy Way, near the Tesco roundabout.
But both represent a lengthy diversion for people who relied on the bridge, of 10 minutes at Love Lane and 12 minutes at the Tesco roundabout.
New ‘safe crossing’ planned
The council said: “There are plans to include a pedestrian facility on Kennedy Way at the junction with Heron Way to give people a safe crossing option.
“A consultation will take place later in the year.”
Resident Tom Walters has written to Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young about the council’s decision.
He said: “I am extremely concerned to read that the council do not intend to replace the footbridge with a footbridge due to cost.
“I am concerned that the Badminton Road (M4) bridge failure prompted a review of all bridges in South Gloucestershire, which has consequently led to the decision to demolish this footbridge.
“Should we accept this bridge does actually need demolition?”
Chipping Sodbury ward councillor Becky Romaine: said: “Local residents will be understandably frustrated and concerned by the loss of the Kennedy Way Footbridge.
“The bridge is used regularly everyday and will affect local residents in Chipping Sodbury.
“Projects like this are important to our local residents, and the council has to identify a solution that supports the views and needs of the community.”