Clifton Suspension Bridge Maintenance Programme
Following successful trials and the selection of a preferred system, Dean & Dyball spearheaded the first phase of a £1m maintenance programme.
The work involved resurfacing the existing carriageway across the length of the bridge and installing a new drainage system to help drain water away from its main longitudinal beams.
The full scope of the work included replacement of the articulation span at each end of the bridge, as well as the first two bays of the bridge itself. The replacement spans were built off site then disassembled and rebuilt in-situ during a weekend closure; five of which were required in total.
Working on a listed structure meant adherance to strict loading limits that could not be exceeded, this meant plant and staff levels had to be constantly juggled.
The drainage works involved replacing the antiquated drainage system along the length of the deck. A glass fibre reinforced polymer guttering system was glued onto the bridge's main girder, draining surface water through the deck and straight into the river 76 metres below. This prevents water running down the road, clogging the bridge bearings with debris as it flows through them. The debris can hold water, rotting timber and corroding steel, and constantly weakens the bridge.
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