Clifton Suspension Bridge to close all weekend
We're told drivers forced to go through the Clean Air Zone will not be charged
Last updated 2nd Aug 2024
The Clifton Suspension Bridge will shut tonight (2nd August) and remain closed all weekend, because of refurbishment work that in total, is due to last two years.
The toll bridge, which provides a popular route between Bristol and North Somerset, will shut at 7pm to cars and cyclists and not reopen again until 7am on Monday 5th August, as contractors install painting pods on the historic bridge's chains.
Throughout the weekend a diversion route will take drivers along Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and the A369 Rownham Hill, which takes drivers through the Clean Air Zone.
However, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol City Council say drivers following the diversion in non-compliant cars will not be charged.
Further closures will take place during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August.
On those days the bridge will shut to pedestrians as well as cars and cyclists, from 6pm to midnight.
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 work safely.
"During these closures we will be undertaking excavations in the road to install 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.
"I urge people to plan ahead, especially if they are attending the evening events at the Fiesta on Friday 9th August and Saturday 10th August, when the bridge will be closed to pedestrians as well as road users.”
Evening closures during the Fiesta were first introduced 20 years ago, amid concerns a huge volume of pedestrian traffic could cause potentially unacceptable structural damage to the bridge.
“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,” Trish said.
“We have agreed with the event organisers that to ensure the safety of the public and the bridge, the bridge should be closed for the Friday and Saturday evenings.
“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.”
More information about the Clean Air Zone and the impact of diversions can be found on the Bristol City Council website here.