Two-year revamp of suspension bridge is complete

The multi-million pound refurbishment of one of the world's oldest surviving iron suspension bridges has been completed.

Work to restore Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol began in April 2024, focusing on protecting its historic ironwork and installing an environmentally sustainable lighting system.

The project, which was funded through bridge tolls, represents the most significant conservation investment since the structure opened in 1864.

Bridge master Tristan Ralph, who oversaw the work, said it demonstrated the "long‑term responsibility to protect Brunel's extraordinary structure".

"Something that is a really key thing for us is that our only funding comes from the tolls," he said.

"We don't get any money from local or central government."

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust said the conservation process will protect the ironwork from corrosion for the next 25 years.

The work involved specialist engineers hand-painting more than 4,000 original iron chain links, many of which are more than 180 years old.

Ralph said: "The chains are incredibly difficult to get to, and very complicated to paint.

"We had to clean each of them individually and re-apply the paint. It was very meticulous work, using toothbrushes to get into every nook and cranny."

The project also saw the installation of a new lighting system designed to minimise light pollution and improve energy efficiency.

The new illuminations will also allow the bridge to be lit up to mark significant moments in its history.

Ralph added: "The old lighting system was actually expired and unreliable, so this was a good time to change the lights.

"We will be lighting up for different themed-events celebrating the bridge's engineering and heritage, and significant cultural events, which is really exciting."

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