nearly done
FOR nearly two years, workers have been perched almost 300 feet above the River Avon for an £8 million project to refurbish and keep in good order Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Their contract ,which ends this month, has involved painting the wrought iron chains with a protective material that will keep them shipshape and Bristol fashion for the next 20 to 25 years.
The previous paint coatings on the bridge were showing signs of surface corrosion. A spokesperson for the engineering firm Taziker said: “With salt naturally occurring in the air from the River Avon below, this can also attack the bridge’s ironwork”.
Parapet stanchions and lattice work have also benefited from the new paint system.
Special precautions had to be taken by the engineering company as this was no ordinary paint job. Engineers would be working above the River Avon, the Avon Gorge and woodland which are areas of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) or protected woodland.
The road deck of the bridge is 245 feet above a high tide and the piers on both the Clifton and Leigh Woods sides of the bridge are 86 feet high.
The natural environment below the bridge was protected by workmen using plastic sheeting to gather flakes of the old paint during the removal process.
The workmen used specially-made paint brushes to give the chains an even coating. Each of the 4,200 iron chains was painted by hand three times. More than 1,500 gallons of paint were used.
As the bridge is a Grade 1 listed structure the new coatings of paint exactly match the bridge’s signature ‘flake grey’.
The trustees of the Clifton Suspension Bridge are also installing a “cutting edge, environmentally friendly and sustainable lighting system”. This replaces LED lighting which has been in place since 2006.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge was opened on 8 December 1864.
As the trustees of the Victorian structure do not receive grants from either central or local government the cost of maintenance is met by the tolls paid by the thousands of motorists who cross the bridge each year.
Ultimate job for a bridge engineer
A new Bridge Master has been appointed by the trustees of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Tristan Ralph succeeds Trish Johnson who has retired. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold the post when she was appointed ten years ago.
Mr Ralph, who has lived in Bristol for more than 25 years, said his new post was “the ultimate job for a bridge engineer.
“The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a world-famous landmark and a vital transport link. I feel privileged to take on the responsibility of safeguarding its future. My focus will be on ensuring that the bridge remains safe, resilient and operational for generations to come.”
Mr Ralph’s priorities will also include reducing the effects of changing weather patterns on the structure, studying the impact of high wind speeds, and planning for the future. He will also lead on the commissioning of a new energy-efficient lighting scheme.
He brings more than 30 years of experience in civil and structural engineering, specialising in bridges and major infrastructure projects.
