It’s the most iconic bridge in Bristol (and they’re a lot of them), known to all of Britain and beyond. An engineering marvel, Clifton Suspension Bridge has stood for almost 200 years, and hopefully, it can stand for another 200 and even longer. And that’s what this landmark two-year project to protect the historic wrought iron chains of the bridge intends to do.
Starting in April 2024, work to protect the bridge’s 180-year-old suspension chains for another 20-25 years begins. Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is working with Taziker – who have previously worked on historic structures like Abraham Darby’s Ironbridge in Shropshire and the ironwork roof of Bristol Temple Meads – to add a protective paint system that will keep the ironwork in top condition. The multimillion pound refurbishment will take two years…
Will Clifton Suspension Bridge look any different?
As the bridge is a Grade I listed structure, the new paint being used will match the current colour. If anything, with this new lick of paint, the original aesthetic will be preserved. However, a “cutting edge, environmentally friendly and sustainable” new lighting system will replace the old one – giving the old bridge a rejuvenated glow.
This new lighting will not only increase the level of illumination on the road – enhancing the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and bridge attendants – but also highlight the bridge’s architectural features. It has also been designed to avoid any damage to the structure and minimise disturbance to local wildlife.
During the works, one footway will be closed to the public as the suspension chains, parapet girder latticework and stanchions are all painted, and the lighting is removed and updated. But these sorts of works aren’t anything new. Clifton Suspension Bridge underwent a similar repaint in 2000-2001, while in 2005-2006, the current lighting was installed.
Why is the work being carried out?
The problem lies in the fact that the River Avon is considered a tidal river, placing the Clifton Suspension Bridge in what is called a ‘marine environment’. The salt in the air attacks the bridge’s ironwork and causes rust. On top of this, a large number of the bridge’s chain links were manufactured at Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Hungerford Footbridge in London which opened in 1845 – it’s one of the very few suspension bridges with their original iron chains still around!
So ensuring the bridge is protected is pretty important, as you can imagine. Luckily, the whole project has been entirely funded through the collection of bridge tolls (if you were ever wondering what the money went towards). And it should be completed by the end of 2025. To learn more about the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust head here.