Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1864, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year!
The bridge stands as an enduring symbol of Bristol and the surrounding region, prominently featured in local culture, art, and literature. Visitors from around the world also come to admire the impressive Victorian engineering, while enjoying views of the Avon Gorge and the city of Bristol below.
The design of the bridge itself is remarkable. Spanning 214 metres (702 feet) and standing 76 metres (250 feet) above the river Avon, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at the time of its completion.
Incredibly, despite its age, many of its original intricate features remain intact. Many of the bridge’s chain links are more than 180 years old, having been recycled from Brunel’s Hungerford Footbridge in London when it was demolished and replaced with the Charing Cross Railway Bridge.
Today, the bridge is one of the few in Europe with its original iron chains still in place. However, continuing to uphold this status isn’t without its challenges.
The bridge sits above the tidal river Avon, exposing it to a marine environment that includes salt in the air which can cause corrosion of the ironwork.
Careful and ongoing protective measures are therefore needed, with the latest restoration project now underway that aims to preserve the bridge’s original features and its structural integrity for future decades.
Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Led by engineering firm Taziker, renowned for their expertise in historic structures, the project includes applying a specialised protective paint system to maintain the ironwork. Once completed, this preservation effort is expected to extend the ironwork’s lifespan by at least 20 years or more.
Additionally, the refurbishment plan also involves replacing the ageing lighting system with an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative, following a thorough consultation and planning phase to minimise light pollution.
Work commenced on April 19 and is advancing smoothly. The team began by using needle guns to strip old paint and coatings from the parapet girders, unveiling the original Victorian ironwork. Subsequently, LED illuminations were removed to facilitate chain work preparation. As of June, scaffolding has been erected on the footway, with mobile painting pods having been affixed to the chains to proceed with further restoration efforts.
Indeed, these initial steps mark the beginning of a two-year, multi-million-pound project fully financed by bridge toll collections. It is imperative to strengthen and refurbish this iconic, historic structure.
Protecting heritage bridges such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge is vital for preserving cultural identity, showcasing architectural and engineering feats, and fostering economic and tourism benefits.
These bridges serve as tangible links to our past, reflecting historical events and technological advancements while inspiring future generations. By conserving these landmarks, we’re also able to promote sustainability by minimising resource consumption.
Preserving these structures ensures they continue to enrich our lives, educate us about our heritage, and inspire admiration for their enduring beauty and historical significance. By safeguarding Brunel’s original design and integrating sustainable solutions, this project ensures the bridge will continue to deliver for satisfied tourists and communities in the surrounding region for years to come.