Bridge lighting has been an integral part of the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s history and, now the existing lighting is reaching the end of its useful life, the Trust is seeking to replace it with a visually impactful, environmentally friendly lighting design. We’re installing a new state-of-the-art lighting system during the refurbishment works, and right now you’ll see something very unusual if you’re visiting at night: as the project includes replacing and upgrading the existing wiring as well as removing all of the lighting fixtures clamped to the chains in 2006, the bridge’s iconic illuminations have now been switched off and will not be back until 2025.
If you’re wondering about crossing the bridge after sunset, don’t worry: pedestrian lighting will ensure good visibility along the length of the bridge during the hours of darkness.
Once fresh paint has been applied, an entirely new system will be fixed into place, which will look a lot tidier. The new lighting design will highlight the distinctive features of the bridge, give visitors an enjoyable and safe experience, and minimise the impact of the illuminations on local wildlife. It will be energy efficient, adaptable, and low maintenance.
A computer generated representation of the new lighting scheme
About the lighting scheme
The upgraded lighting design includes cutting-edge technology, including efficient LED fixtures and enhanced control systems to light the bridge more effectively and creatively. Precision-selected beam optics will control and direct light exactly where it’s needed at the right shape and angles, accentuating the bridge’s architectural details, textures, and materials. The lighting is also specifically aimed to reduce glare and light spill. It will be controlled with an adaptable wireless lighting system that can adjust, adapt and reprogramme the lighting scheme remotely and change the appearance of the bridge with different lighting intensities and colour.
There will be 574 individual light fittings, made up of a series of lamps – plus approximately 660 metres of linear lights spanning the length of the chains and around the tower cornices (tops). The bridge will have 11 distinct lighting treatments (or designs), providing the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust with the option to choose suitable visual effects with ample flexibility for future modifications.
A sketch showing the placement of all the lighting elements
Revealing the details
During the day, the lighting system has been carefully considered to minimise visibility where possible. It will be discrete and unobtrusive to protect the view of the Grade I structure. At night, bridge features will be purposefully lit, ensuring it is visually striking from all angles.
- The new lighting will subtly illuminate and reveal the lattice structure along the length of the bridge for the first time.
- Bespoke light fittings with narrowly directed beams of light will light the vertical hangers for the first time since the early 2000s.
- The towers will be lit to highlight the texture of the stonework both at the base and within the upper arches, with special emphasis on the cornices that crown the towers.
- At the top of each tower, the internal tower saddles will be lit.
- The abutments beneath the bridge will receive a soft glow to bring out the brickwork, anchoring the bridge to its surroundings.
- The chains will be emphasised with long, flexible lighting along their curves.
- The walkways will be evenly illuminated for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and bridge attendants.
Lighting test of the parapet girders
Effect on ecology
Ecological surveys were carried out to ensure the new lighting scheme had a minimal impact on local wildlife. The location, direction and colour options in the lighting design have all been informed by this.
The natural habitat near the bridge, including the River Avon, Leigh Woods’ ancient woodland, and the Avon Gorge, is a significant foraging area for bats. Eleven bat species have been recorded in the vicinity of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Most of these species recorded have high tolerance for lighting.
Timings for lights switching on and off will be the same as the current lighting scheme. They will switch on at dusk and off at midnight, with only street and walkway lighting required for safety remaining on until dawn.
Energy and maintenance
Ease of maintenance is designed in. The way the bridge flexes, as all bridge do, is taken into consideration when installing, as well as using corrosion resistant materials. Less cabling will be used because the control system is wireless. Lights have been selected for their durability and longevity, so they do not need to be replaced as often, such as LEDs which have a lower rate of failure.
The lighting design enhances the illuminated look of the bridge more than the previous scheme. The new design uses approximately 50% fewer fixtures but has a slightly higher power consumption when at full capacity due to 90% of the luminaires being able to change colour. However, these luminaires will typically operate at a fraction of their full output and be dimmed on a daily basis to conserve energy while still maintaining the desired visual effect. The control system will allow for more energy efficient lighting options and better control over energy consumption.