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Clifton suspension bridge
The Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol is perhaps one of the most famous structures in the world. Completed in 1864 the structure is manufactured from traditional materials, the chains and rods are wrought iron, the piers built from local pennant stone and the bridge deck itself from 5 inch thick timber sleepers overlaid with 2 inch thick timber plank. PDS were approached by Flint & Neill Partnership regarding the need to upgrade the drainage on the bridge. Many issues had to be taken into account including;
Weight - The bridge has a two and a half ton axle weight limit (four tons gross weight) so any drainage units installed had to take this into consideration.
Aesthetics - Clifton is a Grade 1 listed structure so PDS had to consider the visual impact of any materials used. Envirodeck our new lightweight composite bridge drainage system was installed on the structure in Oct 2007 as part of a longer-term trial for upgrading the bridge drainage system.
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