Refurbishment Works 2024-25: Preserving Clifton Suspension Bridge

Initiated in April 2024, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, in collaboration with Taziker, will embark on a significant two-year project to safeguard the bridge's 180-year-old suspension chains for the next 20-25 years. This project aims to maintain the historic wrought iron chains of the Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge with a new protective paint system. Additionally, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly lighting system will replace the current illuminations, which have reached the end of their operational life.

Many of the bridge’s chain links date back 180 years, originally crafted for Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Hungerford Footbridge in London, which opened in 1845. After the footbridge was demolished to make way for the Charing Cross Railway Bridge, engineer John Hawkshaw repurposed the parts to complete Bristol’s iconic suspension bridge. This makes the Clifton Suspension Bridge one of the few in Europe with original iron chains still in place, enhancing its historical significance.

The refurbishment, carried out by Taziker, renowned for their work on historic structures like Abraham Darby’s Ironbridge and Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge, will include painting the suspension chains, parapet girder latticework, and stanchions. The bridge’s environment, situated over the tidal River Avon, exposes it to salt-laden air, which can cause corrosion. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the ironwork with a meticulous and durable painting process.

During the refurbishment, one footway will be closed to the public. The protective painting process involves carefully hand-painting the chains to ensure the required three coats of even coverage. Spraying would not achieve this consistency. Specially designed tools have been created to ensure that the gaps between the chain links are properly coated. The process will not strip the chains back to bare metal. Instead, loose paint sections will be removed, and any surface corrosion will be smoothed out before applying new coats.

This careful preparation ensures that even areas with more than three coats receive added protection, preserving the bridge’s historic ironwork for future generations. The combination of a protective paint system and new sustainable lighting will not only enhance the bridge's appearance but also its structural integrity, ensuring it remains a beloved Bristol landmark for many years to come.

More About the Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the Avon Gorge in Bristol, England, is a marvel of civil engineering due to its innovative design and enduring strength. Completed in 1864 and designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it utilizes wrought iron chains and limestone towers, balancing aesthetic elegance with structural efficiency. Its 214-meter span and pioneering use of suspension technology showcased the advanced engineering principles of the time. The bridge's ability to support heavy loads, resist dynamic forces, and remain functional over 150 years highlights its remarkable durability and foresight in design, making it a testament to Victorian engineering prowess and innovation. For more insightful information click here.