Winterstoke Road Bridge replacement delayed until 2028
The route was used by 20,000 drivers a day before it was demolished
The replacement of a major bridge in Weston-super-Mare has been delayed until early 2028, after record summer temperatures held up construction work.
Winterstoke Road Bridge was used by 20,000 drivers a day before it was demolished on Christmas Day last year because of structural issues.
The replacement had been due to open in summer 2027, but North Somerset Council has confirmed it will now not be ready until "early 2028."
Council leader Mike Bell said he was sorry people would have to wait longer for the route to reopen.
"We know the closure is affecting journeys, and residents deserve a clear explanation of the delay and what happens next," he said.
"We are reviewing the remaining construction timetable with our contractor, Octavius, to identify whether any work can be brought forward or rephased. Our priority is to get the route open to vehicles as early as possible."
The bridge crosses the Bristol-Exeter main line, and Network Rail does not allow building work near the railway during high temperatures, as the tracks come under pressure in the heat and nearby construction work could make them unstable.
Matt Whale, framework manager at contractor Octavius, said a key part of the project involves piling work next to the operational railway.
"During these periods of extreme heat, activities could not safely proceed due to the potential impact on track stability. These are industry-wide safety requirements designed to protect passengers, freight services and the railway network," he said.
Network Rail only allows work to take place around the railway during scheduled closures, usually late at night or at weekends.
That's why the demolition of the original bridge took place on Christmas Day, the only day of the year when no trains run on the line.
Winterstoke Road Bridge was originally built during the Second World War to give workers access to nearby aircraft factories.
The RAF requisitioned Weston Airfield in 1940, and after the Ministry of Aircraft Production was formed, Oldmixon became one of three sites in Weston-super-Mare chosen for expanded aircraft production.
The factory's first Bristol Beaufighter took to the air in 1941, and the RAF built the bridge so workers could reach the factory more quickly.
After the war, the bridge opened to the public, and the local industry switched from building fighter planes to producing prefabricated aluminium bungalows to help tackle the post-war housing shortage.
The aircraft industry remained prominent in the area for many years afterwards, including sites for aircraft maintenance and Westland Helicopters.
Eighty years on, the bridge reached the end of its intended life standing in the middle of Weston-super-Mare's suburbs.
The Ministry of Defence still owns the bridge and is funding most of the £20 million cost of its replacement, despite the bridge having "no military value" today.
North Somerset Council has agreed to take over ownership of the new bridge once it's built, and will be responsible for its upkeep across a planned 120-year lifespan.