Over the next two years, Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is working with Taziker on a landmark project to protect the bridge's 180-year-old suspension chains for another 20-25 years.
In April 2024, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust begins a landmark two-year major project to protect the historic wrought iron chains of the Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge. A protective paint system is set to keep the ironwork in top condition; whilst a cutting edge, environmentally friendly and sustainable lighting system will replace the current illuminations, which have reached the end of their working life.
A large number of the bridge’s chain links are 180 years old, having been manufactured for Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Hungerford Footbridge in London which opened in 1845. When the footbridge was demolished to make way for the Charing Cross Railway Bridge, the engineer John Hawkshaw recycled the parts to complete Bristol’s own beloved icon. In Europe, there are only a few suspension bridges with their original iron chains still in place – this makes Clifton Suspension Bridge very special!
The multi-million pound refurbishment will be carried out by engineering contractor Taziker, maintenance and refurbishment specialists who have worked on a range of historic structures including Abraham Darby’s Ironbridge in Shropshire; Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge in Saltash; and Brunel’s intricate ironwork on the roof of Bristol Temple Meads Station.
The works will see one footway closed to the public as the suspension chains, parapet girder latticework (a structural railing which runs alongside the footway) and stanchions (curved supports along the length of the bridge) are painted; and the lighting is removed and updated.
As the river Avon is tidal, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is in what is termed a ‘marine environment’. This means that there is salt in the air. Salt is a chloride, and chlorides can attack the bridge’s ironwork and cause corrosion (or rust). It is therefore essential to protect all of the bridge’s ironwork from corrosion, and this is achieved through a careful and long-lasting painting process.
To ensure the correct thickness of paint, the chains must be painstakingly painted by hand as spraying the iron would not ensure the three coats of even coverage that are required. Specially made tools, designed specifically for the chains of the Clifton Suspension Bridge have been made to guarantee that the gaps between the chain links are also properly coated.
During the works, the chains will not be stripped back to bare metal as this would make it impossible to apply the three coats necessary in some locations. Instead, loose sections of paint will be removed, and any resulting surface corrosion rubbed down. The new coats will then be applied on top of this prepared surface. Where this results in more than three coats of paint, this will provide extra protection for the bridge’s historic ironwork.
The project has been entirely funded through the collection of bridge tolls. As a charity, we receive no funding from either local or national government, and we would like to thank you, our bridge users, for helping us to finance these important works. If you would like to donate to support our educational work you can do so here.
Is something wrong with the bridge?
No. You may have noticed some areas where paint is flaking and there is surface corrosion. We have been monitoring this, and there is nothing to be concerned about. However, we need to start improving the paint protection system.
Will the bridge look different once the works have been completed?
No. The bridge is a Grade I listed structure and the paint we are using will match the current colour. The suspension chain links, parapet stanchions and lattice work will all be freshly painted, preserving and maintaining their existing structural capacity and aesthetic. A brand new modern architectural lighting system will also be installed.
How long will the work take?
The project will commence with enabling works in April 2024. It will take up to two years to complete the works. We are aiming to have everything painted by the end of 2025.
How many people will be involved?
There will be on average 15-20 people per day on site.
How is the work being funded?
As we are a Charitable Trust and receive no funding from local or central government, we have been saving up for this work for many years. The project has been entirely funded by tolls paid by drivers crossing the bridge, so thank you for helping us to care for this important structure!
We will keep some funds aside to use for any emergency maintenance activities, but such a large project does mean dipping into our reserves. Once the work is complete, we’ll need to refill the reserves through the collection of tolls so we can save up for the next job on our list.
There are no immediate plans to increase the tolls, but prices will be due for a routine review in the next few years.
Has work like this happened before?
Yes. The last time the bridge underwent similar work was over 20 years ago. In 2000-2001 the chains were re-painted and in 2005-2006, the existing lighting scheme was put in.
You may also have seen painting work being carried out on other parts of the structure in recent years. We have already painted the longitudinal girders (which divide the footways and roadway) and there are plans to paint the hangers in the future.
When will maintenance next take place?
There is a continuing programme of maintenance at the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Tasks of various sizes are prioritised in order of need to ensure the bridge remains in good condition. Since the Trust was founded in 1953, we have been focused on preserving the original parts of the bridge and keeping them in good working order.
Who is involved in the project?
This project has been commissioned by the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, an independent charitable trust which receives no funding from local or central government. The role of the Trust is to preserve the bridge in perpetuity.
The works are being project managed by COWI, experienced bridge engineering consultants who are experts in the care of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, having been involved in previous projects over past decades. COWI will ensure that all painting has been carried out to the required standards suitable for the age and nature of the bridge, as well as supervising and inspecting the progress of the works.
Painting works are being carried out by Taziker, a multi-disciplinary engineering contractor specialising in undertaking key maintenance, refurbishment and replacement works to critical UK infrastructure. The company is comprised of key operations including Structural Solutions, Surface Preparation and Protective Coatings, Structural Strengthening and Repairs, Access Solutions and Industrial Services. Employing more than 350 people, the company operates from eight regional locations with a Support Services office in Lancashire.
The new illuminations have been designed by Hoare Lea an award-winning engineering consultancy who have been designing lighting schemes since 1882.
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