Clifton Suspension Bridge

A new state-of-the-art illumination system has been installed on Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge. The official switching on ceremony was held on Saturday 8 April 8 2006, which was the eve of the 200th birthday of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Victorian engineer who designed the bridge.

There are four main elements to this project: Along the length of the chains from which the 214 metre (702 ft) bridge is suspended will be more than 3,000 one watt LEDs (light emitting diodes), in groups of three each focussed on a small section of the chain and throwing into relief the giant nuts which connect the links;

Fluorescent tubes beneath the handrail not only illuminate the walkway for pedestrians but also silhouette and emphasise the delicate design of the iron lattice running the length of the bridge;

Lamps concealed within the arches of the two 26 metre (86 ft) high towers each end of the bridge, and in the spaces around the top, reinforce the three-dimensional aspects in ways which were impossible with the old system. The two sides of each tower are washed with a white light, carefully directed and focussed to avoid the problems associated with urban glow;

A similar system is used to ensure that the bridge remains visually connected with its surroundings after dark. Low powered lights concealed beneath each end of the bridge deck gently downlight the abutments so that, when viewed from the north or south, the bridge will no longer appear to “float” above the Avon Gorge but will be seen to be connected to the structures which support it. MJN Colston were responsible for the installation of the electrical services on this landmark project.

Project Team

  • Client - Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust
  • Main contractor - MJN Colston Ltd
  • Architect - IKB
  • Services Engineers - Silcock Dawson & Partners
  • Quantity Surveyors - Silcock Dawson & Partners
  • Services value - £650k