Bristol’s Prince Street Bridge might shut to vehicles as part of a Harbourside plan with a watersports center and ferry.
This change is part of a big Harbourside plan. The plan includes a watersports center, and a new ferry service is also in the works. The whole project could take twenty years.
Councilors discussed the plan and debated the bridge closure’s effect. Some worried about traffic jams elsewhere. One councilor thinks closing the bridge is a bad idea, believing it will worsen traffic. There are not many bridges, he said, losing one makes traffic problems worse.
The bridge had a partial closure before, and now cars can only drive southbound. Active travel users increased 146% since then. Another councilor supports the closure idea, stating that the bridge carries more walkers and cyclists than cars, who share a small space. He feels other bridges can handle the extra traffic.
The ferry would run from M Shed and the Amphitheatre, though they are only ten minutes apart by foot. A new path alongside Castle Park is also planned, which will run at water level.
The transport committee will make the final decision. They will consider traffic data and public feedback. Cobblestone pavements pose a problem, as they are hard to navigate with wheelchairs or buggies.
A councilor is concerned about disabled people’s access. He says navigating the area is difficult and wants disabled views prioritized over heritage.