Thirteen Week Refurbishment Planned for Ross Swing Bridge in Penzance

Major refurbishment work is due to begin on Ross Swing Bridge in Penzance, with construction starting on 5th January 2026 and expected to last around thirteen weeks.

The work follows a Principal Inspection carried out in September 2024, which identified that areas of the bridge’s steelwork required repair and repainting. While some sections were in better condition than others, it was decided that the entire steel structure would need to be refurbished.

What work will take place

The bridge will be dismantled and the existing concrete deck removed for recycling. The steel structure will then be lifted onto a barge using a crane and transported by sea to a dry dock facility in Falmouth for specialist refurbishment.

Work at the dry dock will include inspection and maintenance of the hydraulic mechanisms used to lift and rotate the bridge, shot blasting, refurbishment and repainting of the steel structure, masts and stays, and the fabrication of new steel parapets and a new footway.

Once complete, the structure will be returned to Penzance, reassembled and lifted back into place, followed by resurfacing and the reinstatement of the pedestrian footway.

Road closures and traffic arrangements

While the refurbishment is underway, a temporary bridge will be installed. This will provide a single lane for vehicles controlled by traffic lights, along with pedestrian access.

Full road closures will be required during the initial and final three to four week periods to allow the bridge to be removed and later reinstalled. In addition, short term closures will be needed at times during the programme so the temporary bridge can be lifted, allowing boats access to the dry dock.

Advanced warning signs will be in place ahead of each closure, and a fully signposted diversion route will be provided.

The Dry Dock and nearby businesses will remain open as usual throughout the works.

Timeline overview

• Week 1
  Road closed. Utilities, lighting and cabling disconnected. Deck and non structural components removed. Weighting systems disconnected and preparations made for lifting.

• Weeks 2 to 3
  Controlled lift and removal of the bridge for refurbishment. Temporary bridge lifted into place.

• Week 4
  Temporary bridge installed and connected.

• Weeks 5 to 9
  Road open with single lane traffic, two way traffic lights and pedestrian access. Periodic short term closures for lifting the temporary bridge to allow dry dock access.

• Weeks 10 to 11
  Road closed. Temporary bridge prepared for removal and disassembled.

• Weeks 12 to 13
  Refurbished bridge installed and connected. New deck and surface installed. Testing and certification carried out.

• Week 14
  Road reopened and bridge returned to normal service.

Actual dates are yet to be confirmed and remain subject to change.