Features / clifton suspension bridge
‘I feel like the eyes of Bristol are on me’
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an internationally renowned symbol of Bristol. And it’s the job of Trish Johnson to ensure that it remains a city landmark.
Trish (pictured above) is a trained civil engineer whose job includes looking after the bridge’s maintenance as well as its business and staff.
“Because it’s such an old structure, there is a lot to do to ensure that it keeps being used,” she says, standing on the windswept buttress on the Clifton side. “It is a Grade I-listed structure and it’s quite rare to have a listed structure that is still used by so many people.”
For a structure that is 153 years old, the bridge endures a lot of wear and tear. Closing it can result in plenty of grumbling, but sometimes the repairs are vital and cannot be put off.
When the bridge closes during off-peak hours from Monday to Thursday, it gives a chance for the maintenance teams to get a really good idea of how the historic span is holding up.
New toll houses will be built while the bridge is closed during May 2018
The main reason for the bridge’s closure this week is the construction of its two new toll houses. Ducts will also be built along the road for water and electricity to enable works that will happen later this year.
Making the most of the closure, the bridge will be partly repainted too, to protect it against corrosion. Painters will be taking advantage of the traffic-free hours to go over the longitudinal girders – large iron structures supporting the bridge and its carriageway.
Just painting these sections will take between four and five weeks, as every single bolt has to be painted.
The bridge’s longitudinal girders will be repainted
The 200-metre-long bridge is so big that repainting has to be done in phases to ensure it is closed for the least amount of time. To ensure pedestrian access, one footway must always remain open.
“’Icon’ can be quite an overused word but I do think the bridge is an icon for Bristol,” Trish tells Bristol24/7. “It goes 153 years back so it’s always been in everybody’s memory and people just love it.
“I was very privileged to be chosen to be the bridgemaster and I do feel it is a big honour. It is a very big responsibility. I feel like the eyes of Bristol are upon me.”
The Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed between 9.30am and 4pm from May 14-17 2018. To find out more about planned closures, visit www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/news
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