The Brunel Clifton Suspension Bridge is a Grade I listed bridge spanning the Avon Gorge, linking Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset, England. It is a suspension bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and built in 1864. It was built to improve transport links between Bristol and the rest of the country, and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
The bridge is the longest span suspension bridge in the United Kingdom, with a main span of 702 feet (214 m). It is also one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, and the second oldest suspension bridge in the UK after the first Menai Bridge. The bridge is constructed from wrought iron and is supported by two towers, each of which is 84 feet (26 m) high.
Design and Construction
The bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and built between 1831 and 1864. It is a suspension bridge, with two towers, each 84 feet (26 m) high, supporting the main span of 702 feet (214 m). The bridge is constructed from wrought iron, and features a lattice-style design. It was designed to improve transport links between Bristol and the rest of the country, and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
History
The bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and built between 1831 and 1864. It was designed to improve transport links between Bristol and the rest of the country, and has become an iconic symbol of the city. It was the longest span suspension bridge in the United Kingdom when it opened, and is now the second oldest suspension bridge in the UK after the first Menai Bridge.
In 1836, the bridge was opened to the public. It was the first bridge to span the Avon Gorge, and the first suspension bridge in the United Kingdom. The bridge was an instant success, and it quickly became a symbol of the city. In 1862, it was designated a Grade I listed structure.
Restoration and Preservation
The bridge has undergone several major restorations and repairs over the years. In 1961, the bridge was strengthened to carry heavier loads. In 1984, the bridge was restored to its original design. In 1996, the bridge was refurbished to improve its appearance and to protect it from corrosion. In 2002, a major restoration project was undertaken to repair and preserve the bridge for future generations.
Features
The bridge is a Grade I listed structure and is constructed from wrought iron. It is supported by two towers, each 84 feet (26 m) high, and has a main span of 702 feet (214 m). The bridge is decorated with ornate ironwork, and is lit up at night by floodlights.
Attractions
The bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Bristol, and is a popular spot for photographers and sightseers. There are a number of walking routes that cross the bridge, offering views of the gorge and the city. There is also a visitor centre at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge, which offers a range of information about the bridge and its history.
Conclusion
The Brunel Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city of Bristol, and is a Grade I listed structure. It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and built between 1831 and 1864. It is the longest span suspension bridge in the United Kingdom, and is the second oldest suspension bridge in the UK after the first Menai Bridge. The bridge has undergone several major restorations and repairs over the years, and is now a popular tourist attraction in the city.