Last month we reported that the painting team had commenced work on the South side of the bridge – and thanks to the good weather they have been making speedy progress! Using needle guns, they have been carefully removing layers of old paint from the original iron lattice that makes up the parapet fence running the length of the footway. And of course, as the Avon Gorge is an Site of Special Scientific Interest (and currently home to nesting pairs of kestrels and peregine falcons), all the paint flakes removed are being carefully collected and safely disposed of.
With the modern safety mesh removed to allow access, the painting team are enjoying the same views as the bridge’s Victorian visitors – but the gaps in the lattice certainly don’t meet modern safety standards, as they allowed children of the past to easily climb the sides of the bridge! (We wonder how many of you remember doing this on your way to and from lessons?)
Above the footway, scaffolding is being installed on the chains, and the repainting of the chains is also well underway! Just as before, workers are removing any loose or damaged paint and preparing the surfaces of the historic iron chains for the three coats of specialist paint that will protect them for years to come. This process ensures that the bridge’s ironwork remains free from rust or corrosion – and preventive measures like these extend the life of the structure. As the work is funded entirely by the tolls you pay to cross the bridge, thank you again for helping the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust to care for the bridge!
As the bridge is Grade I listed, projects like this require a great deal of careful monitoring. This month we welcomed engineers from Historic England, who came to tour the bridge and works compound with Bridge Master Trish Johnson. We’re pleased to report that they were very impressed with the works!
Of course, there is more to caring for the bridge than just the painting. This month, as part of our ongoing general maintenance, the weigh bridges have been serviced. You may have noticed the plates in the approach roads on each side of the bridge and wondered what these were for. Each time a vehicle drives over these plate, it is weighed to ensure that it does not exceed the 4 tonne limit – and if it does an alarm sounds and the barriers are locked down. Preventing large and heavy vehicles from crossing the bridge reduces wear on the historic iron and helps the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust to further extend the working life of the bridge for many, many years to come!
As works continue and painting needs to be carried out at low levels, please note that the bridge will be closed to all road users including cyclists from 7.00pm on Friday 25th July to 7.00am on Monday 28th July 2025. Throughout the weekend, a diversion route will be signed using Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and A369 Rownham Hill. Find more information on the Planned Closures page.