Historic bridge to close for £6.2m reconstruction

A historic bridge will close to the public next month as work begins on its full reconstruction.

The £6.2m project, which will replace Castle Cornet bridge's 95m (312ft) concrete deck and single-span approach bridge, is expected to last eight months.

Castle Cornet will remain open until 6 September before an extended winter closure while the reconstruction takes place.

From 7 September, the bridge, adjacent parking area and raised walkway will be closed to the public. The new bridge is expected to reopen in late May 2027.

Joe Armstrong, project civil engineer for Guernsey Ports, which is managing the project, said people "will see the site taking shape" over the coming weeks.

He added: "The bridge and surrounding work area will be closed to the public, but access to all businesses on the Castle Emplacement will continue throughout the reconstruction period."

The bridge dates back to the 1800s and its reconstruction aims to secure long-term access to Castle Cornet, the Castle Breakwater and the Castle Lighthouse.

The project recently completed engineering works to strengthen the 19th Century granite piers that support the bridge deck and will form part of the replacement structure.

Armstrong said: "These granite piers have supported access to Castle Cornet, the breakwater and the lighthouse for more than 150 years.

"By strengthening and retaining them, we're preserving an important part of the bridge's heritage, while reducing the need for unnecessary reconstruction."

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