Clifton Suspension Bridge to close off-peak for four days for repairs
Bridge will shut to traffic and cyclists each day from today for a week as engineers carry out maintenance
Clifton Suspension Bridge is set to close to traffic and cyclists for four days from today so essential maintenance work can be carried out.
The bridge will shut until Thursday (17th September), between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day.
The closures will allow engineers to install safety equipment on the bridge chains, upgrade the barrier system, repair drainage and carry out maintenance on the bridge towers.
Bridge Master Tristan Ralph said several aspects of the essential maintenance work require the use of access platforms which cannot safely be used while traffic is on the bridge.
"Several aspects of the essential maintenance works require the use access platforms which cannot safely be used with traffic on the bridge," Tristan Ralph said.
"We will make best use of the time to undertake a wide range of engineering activities necessary to keep the bridge in the highest standard of repair," Tristan Ralph said.
Diversions and access
A diversion route will be signed via Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and the A369 Rownham Hill.
Traffic following the official signed diversion route during the closure times will be exempt from Bristol City Council's Clean Air Zone.
Pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge throughout the closures, but cycling will be prohibited.
"During these bridge closures pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge, but cycling will be prohibited," Tristan Ralph said.
"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," Tristan Ralph said.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum will also close on Monday 14th September for scheduled maintenance and repairs.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust has apologised for the disruption the closures will cause.
"Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust wishes to apologise for the inconvenience which these closures will cause," Tristan Ralph said.
"We hope that by re-opening the road overnight and during the morning and evening peak periods we will minimise the difficulties caused," Tristan Ralph said.
The bridge will reopen outside of the stated hours each day, including overnight and during the morning and evening peak periods.