Clifton bridge to close for essential maintenance

The 19th Century bridge will shut temporarily on Wednesday

A landmark suspension bridge is to temporarily shut for upgrades.

Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol will close to vehicles from 09:00 until 15:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The upgrades include the installation of new monitoring system, which protects the 19th Century structure from being overloaded, maintenance of the toll barriers and painting works.

Trish Johnson, bridge master at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust (CSBT), said the work was "vital" in keeping "the bridge well maintained and operating for many years to come".

The bridge will remain open for pedestrians, with cyclists asked to dismount and walk.

A diversion route has been planned, using Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and A369 Rownham Hill.

CSBT said traffic following the signed route will be exempt from clean air zone charges.

Ms Johnson said the work was being "funded entirely by bridge tolls" and thanked users for "supporting the preservation of this famous landmark".

The trust apologised for any inconvenience caused by the closure.