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What are the dimensions of the Clifton Suspension Bridge? How was the Bridge built? What materials were used to construct the Bridge? How much did it cost to build the Bridge? Is it true that a Victorian lady survived a fall from the Bridge? Who do I speak to if I want to arrange to bunjee jump or abseil from the Bridge for charity ? When did the last aeroplane fly beneath the Bridge? How is the Bridge financed and operated ? What is the weight limit for vehicles? What is the anticipated life of the suspension chains? How do I get to the Clifton Suspension Bridge by public transport? What is the meaning of the Latin inscription 'Suspensa Vix Via Fit' which is at the top of the Leigh Woods pier ? How much is the toll to cross the Bridge ? Was anyone killed building the Bridge? How many light bulbs are used to illuminate the bridge at night ? Where can I park when I visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge ?
What are the dimensions of the Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Total length, anchorage to anchorage 1,352 ft (414 m)
Total span, centre to centre of piers 702 ft (214 m)
Overall width 31 ft (9.5m)
Width, centre to centre of chains 20 ft (6.1 m)
Height (deck level above high water) 245 ft (76 m)
Height of piers, including capping 86 ft (26.2 m)
Height of saddles 73 ft (22.3 m)
Dip of chains 70 ft (21.3 m)
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How was the Bridge built?
6 wire ropes were taken across the Gorge, secured at both ends and tightened. These were planked across and bound with iron hoops, making a footway. 2 wire handrails made up the sides and at head height there was another wire along which ran a 'traveller', a light frame on wheels that carried each link of the chain out to the centre. As well as being a walkway the wire bridge acted as staging on which the chain rested as new links were added. The temporary bridge was anchored by ropes to the rocks below to provide stability in winds. When the first chain was complete the second was built on top, then the third. With the chains complete vertical suspension rods were fastened to the chains by the bolts that linked the chains together. Two huge girders run the full length of the Bridge, visible to us today as the division between the footway and the road. 2 long-jibbed cranes (one on each side) were used to move 5m sections into place where they could be attached to the suspension rods. Cross girders underneath formed a rigid structure. The floor of the roadway was then put in place using Baltic pine timber sleepers.
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What materials were used to construct the Bridge?
The chains and suspension rods are made of wrought iron.
The piers (towers) are built principally of local Pennant stone. The Leigh Woods (south) pier stands on an abutment of red sandstone. The Bridge deck is made of timber sleepers, 5 inches (12 cm) thick overlaid by planking 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Since 1897 the deck has been covered with asphalt.
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How much did it cost to build the Bridge?
The accepted figure used for the total final cost in 1864 was almost £100,000.
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Is it true that a Victorian lady survived a fall from the Bridge?
In 1885 following an argument with a boyfriend Sarah Ann Henley from Bristol threw herself from the Bridge. Beneath her billowing dress she was wearing crinoline petticoats which slowed and cushioned her fall - and she had a huge helping of good fortune ! She was injured but was pulled from the mud, eventually recovered, and died in 1948 at the grand old age of 84.
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Who do I speak to if I want to arrange to bunjee jump or abseil from the Bridge for charity ?
No-one ! Due to the many visitors constantly on the Bridge and for the safety of ALL its users and staff the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust refuses all such requests without exception. Local byelaws for the Bridge also make these activities illegal.
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When did the last aeroplane fly beneath the Bridge?
Until the 1930's daredevil pilots occasionally flew beneath the Bridge in bi-planes, after which the faster planes made it too dangerous. The last known fixed-wing flight beneath the Bridge was in 1957 when Flying Officer Crossley of 501 Squadron, R.A.F. flew a Vampire Jet at 450 mph from east to west under the Bridge (in spite of a ban against such escapades and against all safety regulations !). He crashed into the cliffs on the Leigh Woods (south) side and was killed instantly. A police helicopter flew beneath the Bridge in 1997 whilst conducting a search.
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How is the Bridge financed and operated ?
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is a non-profit-making registered charity set up under an Act of Parliament of 1952. The Trust's only source of revenue is the toll. It receives no funding from any other source such as grants from central or local government or from the national lottery.
There are 12 Trustees, who between them have a range of expertise, particularly in the field of engineering. 10 of them are local residents and 2 are representatives of Bristol City Council and North Somerset Council. The Bridge Master, a fully qualified civil engineer, is responsible for the day to day running of the Bridge.
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What is the weight limit for vehicles?
Two and a half tons axle weight, or four tons gross weight; effectively only motor cars, personnel carriers and small goods vehicles may cross. The number of vehicles on the Bridge at any one time is effectively controlled by the toll barriers. There is a weighbridge in the road on both approaches to the Bridge.
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What is the anticipated life of the suspension chains?
The question is largely hypothetical! The Bridge is constantly checked for fatigue and corrosion, and maintained accordingly. Provided maintenance continues at the present level and loading is not exceeded beyond the design limit there is no reason why the chains should not last for centuries to come - certainly well beyond the lifetime of anyone reading this !
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How do I get to the Clifton Suspension Bridge by public transport?
From Bristol Temple Meads (BTM) railway station take a No 8 or 8A bus. They are timetabled to go every few minutes. (Do not take the 9 or 9A in this direction). The 8/8A route travels through the city centre. At the Centre Promenade the 8/8A bus stop is opposite the Hippodrome theatre, near the 'Sails' structure (you'll know it when you see it !) and the statue of Neptune. Get off the 8/8A bus at Clifton Village or Christ Church, Clifton. The Bridge is a short level walk from either of these bus stops. Taxis are always available at BTM and on the Centre Promenade. To make the return journey back down to the city centre or to BTM take the 9 or 9A from Clifton Village or Christ Church.
From Easter to September a City Sightseeing Open Top Bus service operates daily at frequent intervals. Use the stop at Clifton Village. (See also the link on our 'Links' page).
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What is the meaning of the Latin inscription 'Suspensa Vix Via Fit' which is at the top of the Leigh Woods pier ?
No literal translation makes any sense but freely translated it can be said to mean “A suspended way (or road) made with difficulty”.
The unknown author of the Bridge line has used the word ‘suspensa’ to give it relevance and the word ‘vix’, pronounced ‘vicks’ in the Latin pronunciation is probably a play on words with the name of William Vick who first left money in his will for building a bridge. Puns of this kind were once common.
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How much is the toll to cross the Bridge ?
The current cash toll for motor vehicles is 50p, payable with any silver coin except 5p (five pence). There are significant discounts for frequent users who can purchase crossing cards in advance (see the 'Crossing cards' page).
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Act allows for a toll for pedestrians, cyclists and animals. This toll is currently 5p but it is not levied.
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Was anyone killed building the Bridge?
In 1867 William Barlow who was one of the contracting engineers for the completion of the Bridge 1862-64, reported to the Institution of Civil Engineers that there had been two deaths during construction. This is the only documented record of which we are aware. Who the two poor souls were and what the circumstances of their deaths were we do not know.
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How many light bulbs are used to illuminate the bridge at night ?
None ! The state-of-the-art illumination system on the Clifton Suspension Bridge was formally switched on at a ceremony on Saturday 8 April 2006, the eve of the 200th birthday of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The system comprises four elements:
Along the length of the chains from which the bridge is suspended are 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 illuminate the walkway and silhouette and emphasise the delicate design of the iron lattice running the length of the bridge;
Lamps concealed within the arches of the two piers at each end of the bridge, and in the spaces around the top, reinforce the three-dimensional aspects of the bridge. The two sides of each pier are washed with light, carefully directed and focussed to avoid the problems associated with urban glow.
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 no longer appears to 'float' above the Avon Gorge but can be seen to be connected to the structures which support it.
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Where can I park when I visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge ?
There is a link to a map from the 'Contact Us' page of this website.
CLIFTON - was mostly developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the days of the horse and cart. It is rich in heritage with a great deal of attractive architecture and pleasant shops. The result is that the area is popular and congested. There are no formal car parks in Clifton village, and there are double yellow lines (= 'No Parking at any time') on the approach to the Bridge in Suspension Bridge Road. 'On-street' parking is available in Clifton but it is not always easy to find a parking space. You are advised to park within the law - parking regulations are enforced by the City Council and a 'Towaway' scheme is in operation. There is one 'Disabled' parking space next to the toll booth.
LEIGH WOODS - parking 'on-street' is easier on this side of the Bridge, and there are fewer formal restrictions. However visitors are kindly requested to park with consideration to our neighbours (eg please do not park on the footpath or block driveways). There is another 'Disabled' parking space next to the toll booth here. The temporary Visitor Information Point is located on this side of the Bridge.
See also the FAQ regarding public transport.
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