Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, UK to undergo refurbishment and will be closed to traffic and cyclists from 7.00pm on Friday 2nd August to 7.00am on Monday 5th August, announced by Bridge Master, Trish Johnson.
The bridge will undergo vital refurbishment works which will include the installation of painting pods on the historic bridge chains. This complex process will require the bridge to be closed to all traffic and cyclists during the scheduled dates. A diversion route will be marked using Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way, and A369 Rownham Hill for the duration of the closure.
In addition to the August closures, the bridge will also be closed during Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta Nightglows on Friday 9th August and Saturday 10th August. The closure will be effective from 6.00pm until midnight and will include all pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic.
Trish Johnson, the Bridge Master, stated that these closures are necessary for the ongoing effort to conserve the bridge for the future. She explained, “As part of this project, we need to schedule occasional road closures to carry out work safely. During these closures, we will be undertaking excavations in the road, installing cables, erecting scaffolding, jet-washing the historic ironwork, and painting the chains from the roadway. We will also take advantage of the closure to carry out general maintenance.”
She also urged the public to plan ahead, especially if they plan on attending the evening events at the Fiesta on Friday 9th August and Saturday 10th August. The bridge will be closed to pedestrians during these times as well. This measure was first implemented twenty years ago after concerns were raised about potential structural stresses on the 150-year-old landmark due to the large number of pedestrians on the bridge.
Mrs. Johnson stated, “A crowd of pedestrians on the roadway of the bridge creates a far greater loading than normal car traffic and this could cause damage to the bridge and injury to its users. We have agreed with the event organizers that to ensure the safety of the public and the bridge, the bridge should be closed for the Friday and Saturday evenings.”
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these closures and hopes to minimize disruption by keeping the road open during weekdays. Additionally, traffic following the official signed diversion routes during the closures will be exempt from Bristol City Council’s Clean Air Zone. For more information on the Clean Air Zone, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/caz.
Press Contact:
Trish Johnson
Bridge Master
Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust
info@cliftonbridge.org.uk
www.cliftonbridge.org.uk
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