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Sandfield Swing Bridge, Saul

Sandfield Swing Bridge is a moveable bridge that carries vehicles over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal near Saul, and swings open from the western bank to allow watercraft to pass through. 

Whilst the bridge is owned by the Canal & River Trust (C&RT), we are responsible for the surface.

What is happening?

We have placed an immediate closure on this bridge due to the unsafe condition of its surface, with the timber deck boards in a degraded state and screws and ironworks exposed.

We have replacement deck boards available that are ready to be installed, however there are underlying structural issues with the bridge that must be resolved by C&RT before we can undertake our works.

Timescales and ecological concerns

By Law, it is illegal to disturb nesting birds and their nests during nesting season, which means that any works on this bridge can not take place during this timeframe.

We are in urgent contact with C&RT concerning their planned works, however at this stage it is likely that we will not be able to start any works until October 2026. This webpage will be updated with more information once it is available.

Updates

 2nd April

As the underlying structural defects have not been repaired, we will now be required to wait for the end of bird nesting season before we can undertake repairs to the bridge decking. This is expected to be in October 2026.

 

10th April

The C&RT will be holding a site visit with their asset team to inspect the structure next week.

GCC representatives and members of the design team will also be visiting for further discussions with C&RT - updates will be shared accordingly.

 

24th April

Following the C&RT site meeting last week, we are awaiting updates on the status of structure defects. Updates will be shared once we have further information.

 

28th April

When the bridge was checked, a serious problem was found with the metal strip that sits between the bridge deck and the road surface. This strip is built into the concrete part of the bridge and has badly rusted on one side. Because of this damage, it will need major repair or to be replaced completely. 

 2nd April

As the underlying structural defects have not been repaired, we will now be required to wait for the end of bird nesting season before we can undertake repairs to the bridge decking. This is expected to be in October 2026.

 

10th April

The C&RT will be holding a site visit with their asset team to inspect the structure next week.

GCC representatives and members of the design team will also be visiting for further discussions with C&RT - updates will be shared accordingly.

 

24th April

Following the C&RT site meeting last week, we are awaiting updates on the status of structure defects. Updates will be shared once we have further information.

 

28th April

When the bridge was checked, a serious problem was found with the metal strip that sits between the bridge deck and the road surface. This strip is built into the concrete part of the bridge and has badly rusted on one side. Because of this damage, it will need major repair or to be replaced completely. 

8th May

C&RT have advised us that they are liaising with their asset team following the site visit and will aim to give an update soon.

We continue to apologise for the inconvenience and thank everyone for your continued patience.

8th May

C&RT have advised us that they are liaising with their asset team following the site visit and will aim to give an update soon.

We continue to apologise for the inconvenience and thank everyone for your continued patience.

Page updated: 08/05/2026