Cardiff Council is to carry out essential maintenance work to refurbish the Millennium Bridge that links Sophia Gardens and Bute Park.
The bridge was built in 1999 and provides a popular pedestrian and cycle link across the River Taff, with an estimated 22,000 crossings made every week.
Since being constructed the bridge has been subject to general wear and tear, as well as constant exposure to the elements, and this will be the first major maintenance works
carried out on it.
As a result the bridge will need to be closed for ten weeks, weather permitting, from Monday, September 30 to Monday, December 9 while the work is completed.
This will consist of grit blasting and re-painting the main superstructure and handrails to repair and prevent corrosion. A new anti-skid surface will also be laid on the deck.
To protect the environment and water course below the whole bridge will be encapsulated with scaffold and sheeting. While the work is carried out clear signage will be provided and diversions will be put in place directing people to cross the River Taff at Cardiff Bridge on Castle St instead, with users entering Bute Park at the West Gate if they wish. Alternatively they can go north and cross at Blackweir Bridge. The opening times of Bute Park will not be affected by the work and the Summerhouse, Secret Garden Café and Bute Park Education Centre will remain open.
The late night commuter route which has allowed people to cross the park until 7pm for the last two years will be maintained, but users will be diverted to West Gate instead of the Millennium Bridge.
Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure & Culture, Councillor Ramesh Patel said: “The Millennium Bridge is very popular way of crossing the River Taff, with thousands of people using it each week.
“The Council appreciates that this will cause inconvenience to park users but it is hoped that this essential routine maintenance work can be completed with the minimum amount of disruption to park users. Once completed it is anticipated that no further work will be needed on the bridge for at least 15 years.”
