As we enter the final phase of the bridge refurbishment project, you may have noticed that scaffolding has already been removed from the Clifton land chains (the chains on the bridge approach which rise diagonally from the pavement to the top of the tower), and is in the process of being taken down at Leigh Woods.
The team currently expect to have the footway itself clear and open for Spring 2026, so everyone will be able to enjoy those splendid city views again!
On Clifton Down, the work compound is gradually emptying as the equipment that is no longer needed is removed, and the space is being cleaned and cleared. When the project completes, the team will work with the Downs Ranger to ensure the ground here is restored to the condition it was in before the works began.
A long list of maintenance tasks were completed during the off-peak closure on 29th October, including work on the weighbridge, which monitors the weight of vehicles approaching the bridge and locks the barriers to prevent vehicles weighing over 4 tonnes from crossing. The bridge was constructed long before cars were even invented so Brunel and other engineers had great foresight to make it capable of dealing with the demands of modern traffic.
Specialist contractors reinstalled the latchway, a steel cable that runs along the top of the land chains allowing engineers and maintenance workers to walk the chains safely and reach parts of the bridge that cannot be inspected any other way.
Following the heavy rains and in preparation for winter, all of the bridge’s drains were cleared (a job which can only be done when there is no traffic); CCTV cameras and barriers were serviced; and drivers will also be pleased to read that further repairs have been made to persistent pothole under the Clifton Tower. The articulation span (the platform connecting the suspended section of the bridge with solid ground) has now been scheduled for replacement in Spring 2026, and this should stop the issue from reoccurring in future.
Finally, the modern bollards and balustrades that run along each side of the toll plaza have been given a fresh coat of paint, and repairs made to the heritage fencing facing Sion Hill.
Meanwhile the installation of the bridge’s new lighting continues, with colour LED units being fixed to the parapets (which run the length of the bridge’s footway) and the freshly painted chains. Behind the scenes, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust are developing a plan for the piloting of lighting displays on special bridge related occasions throughout 2026 – more to come on this soon!
