The Clifton Suspension Bridge is set to close during part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. The bridge will shut to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles from 6pm until midnight on Thursday, August 11 and Saturday, August 13.
This is because it could be unsafe if the bridge was crowded with people watching the balloons take off during the event's 'night glows' at Ashton Court Estate. The bridge master, Trish Johnson, said: “I urge people to plan ahead if they are attending the evening events at the fiesta on Thursday 11th August and Saturday 13th August.
"The bridge will be closed at 6 pm on both these evenings and will remain completely shut until midnight. There will be no access for any pedestrians, cyclists or traffic.”
Read more: Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2022 date and location announced - full details
“A crowd of pedestrians on the roadway of the bridge creates a far greater loading than normal car traffic and this could cause damage to the bridge and injury to its users. We have agreed with the event organisers that to ensure the safety of the public and the bridge, the bridge should be closed for the Thursday and Saturday evenings.
“While it is safe for its normal use and volume of traffic – both vehicular and pedestrian – the Victorian bridge is old and must be treated with respect. The structure is checked and maintained constantly and we take advice from leading engineering consultants.
“They have advised us that, if certain loading conditions on the bridge might be exceeded, it could be at risk. Therefore, on those occasions, we will take the precaution of closing the bridge to traffic and pedestrians.
“The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by these bridge closures.” Evening closures during the fiesta were first implemented eighteen years ago following concerns that the 150-year-old landmark could suffer potentially unacceptable structural stresses if there was a high amount of pedestrian traffic.
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