Ross Swing Bridge refurbishment, Penzance commencing 5th January 2026 for thirteen weeks
In September 2024 a Principal Inspection of the bridge was carried out, which revealed that areas of the steel-work required repair and repainting. Although some areas were in better condition than others, it was determined that the entire steel-work on the structure must be refurbished.
The bridge will be dismantled and the existing concrete deck removed for recycling. The steel-work structure will be lifted on to a barge using a crane, then transported by sea to a dry dock facility at Falmouth, for specialist refurbishment. This will include inspection and maintenance of the hydraulic mechanisms which are used to shift lift and rotate the bridge in and out of position, shot blasting, refurbishment and repainting of the steel structure, masts, and stays, and new steel parapets and a new footway will be fabricated. The structure will then be transported back to Penzance, to be assembled and lifted back in to place, before resurfacing and the reinstatement of the pedestrian footway.
| Keeping Penzance Moving - Road Closures Whilst the refurbishment is underway, a temporary bridge will be installed, providing a single lane for vehicles (managed by traffic lights) with pedestrian access. However, road closures will be required for both the initial and final 3-4 week periods, to allow the bridge to be removed and the temporary one assembled, then vice versa. Short-term closures will also be needed periodically during the program, to enable the temporary bridge to be lifted, so that boats can access the dry dock. Advanced warning signs will be in place ahead of each closure, together with a fully signposted diversion route (highlighted here in green). PLEASE NOTE: Due to the risk of increased volume of traffic causing damage, Abbey Slip has now been closed to traffic and will remain so for the duration of the Ross Bridge road closure. The Dry Dock and other nearby businesses remain open as usual, throughout the project. |  |
Regular updates will be available on this page throughout the project.
If you have any queries or concerns please email: contracting@cormacltd.co.uk
or call us on 0300 1234 222
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Friday 9th January 2026
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In spite of this week's weather conditions, works have got off to a strong start. The planned road closure is in place (now including Abbey Slip), and the bridge has been swung into the open position to allow safe access for the team. Removal of the existing concrete roadway is underway, and the original lifting "eyes" for each panel have been located, cleaned and set aside for reuse later. Each panel is secured by six steel lugs embedded in the concrete; these need to be carefully cored out to release the panels for lifting. This coring process will continue for several days and once complete, lifting out the panels is scheduled to begin next week.
History
Ross Swing Bridge connects Penzance town centre to the harbour area. Constructed in the early 20th century from an old railway turntable. it's primary function was to allow road traffic and pedestrians to cross the inner harbour, whilst enabling boats and small vessels to pass through when swung open.
In 1980 it replaced with a newer structure and is currently used by the public and to allow boats access to the dry dock and inner basin. Today the bridge remains a functional heritage structure and is still used for harbour operations as well as being a vital link fro traffic and pedestrians.
The bridge is exposed to harsh marine conditions, which cause corrosion and mechanical wear over time. A regular inspection and maintenance program is in place to keep it safe and operational, ensuring it serves the harbour for generations to come.
