Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge is a Grade I listed structure located in Bristol. The bridge, which first opened in 1864, was based on the designs of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the major figures in engineering history. To this day, Clifton Suspension Bridge remains a key route, linking Clifton to Leigh Woods.

Working on behalf of Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, Taziker is carrying out extensive refurbishment works to this historical landmark and tourist attraction, helping to retain its original Victorian aesthetic.

The two-year project will see the bridge benefit from a new paint system to the suspension chain links, parapet stanchions and lattice work, as well as the installation of a modern architectural lighting system.

Project overview

The previous coatings system on the bridge was showing signs of surface corrosion. With salt naturally occurring in the air from the River Avon below, this can also attack the bridge’s ironwork. 

On the parapet girders, the team are working to remove all the pre-existing coatings using needle guns, cleaning the area back to its original Victorian iron. The natural environment below is protected by using plastic sheeting to gather flakes of old paint during the removal process. 

Before starting this project, our methodology was approved by Natural England and the Maritime Marine Organisation for working above the River Avon, Avon Gorge, SSSI and Protected Woodland. To provide maximum protection for the chains, with many 180 years old, the loose sections of paint will be removed by hand to ensure an even coverage of the brand new coatings system. As Clifton Suspension Bridge is a Grade I listed structure, the new coatings will exactly match the bridge’s signature ‘flake grey’.

Working with Connolly Scaffolding, a three-lift tower at both sides of the bridge has been built, facilitating access for the electrical works. The lighting fixtures, which were clamped to the chains, were removed before the painting works commenced. The removal of redundant circuits and containment, panels, fixtures and fittings from the Leigh Woods and Clifton Towers has also commenced. The previous LED lighting, which has been in place since 2006, will be replaced by the brand new lighting system.

Independent scaffolding on the footway enables access for the essential chain works, with installation of scaffolding on the land chains now underway.

Header image: © Lee Pullen Photography for Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.