Clifton Suspension Bridge to close this weekend as power to be lost on landmark

The Clifton Suspension Bridge will close this weekend as vital refurbishment works continue on the historic bridge. From Friday, November 22, at 7pm, the road will be closed to all traffic and cyclists.

Whilst all traffic will be prohibited from using the bridge until it reopens at 7am on Monday, November 25, pedestrians will still be able to walk across the bridge, which links Clifton to Leigh Woods. Cyclists will be unable to ride their bike over the bridge but will be able to dismount and walk across, however the Bridge Master has requested for cyclists to avoid the bridge if possible.

The Bristol landmark will be closed so that contractors Taziker can carry out scaffolding works and the installation of a new electrical panel - meaning a temporary loss of power to the bridge will be in effect. In addition, chains below ground will be cleaned and painted as part of necessary inspections and scaffolding will be moved and installed on the main chains and under the bridge itself.

The Bridge Master, Trish Johnson, said: “As part of this project to conserve the bridge for many years to come, we need to schedule occasional road closures to carry out works safely. During these closures our contractor, Taziker, will be undertaking electrical works, scaffolding works, and painting the chains from the roadway. We will also take advantage of the closure to conduct inspections and general maintenance.

“During these bridge closures pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge, but cycling will be prohibited. Cyclists may dismount and walk across the bridge, but as only one narrow footway will be open, cyclists are requested to avoid using the bridge if possible.

“Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust wishes to apologise for the inconvenience which these closures will cause. We hope that by keeping the road open during weekdays we will minimise the disruption caused.”

Throughout the weekend, a diversion route will be signposted using Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and the A369 Rownham Hill. Traffic using the “official signed diversion routes” from the bridge during this time will be exempt from the Clean Air Zone.

The weekend closure follows two weekend closures in August on Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous bridge. The reasons for the closures were for refurbishment works followed by the Balloon Fiesta.

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