When did the Clifton suspension bridge open?

December 8, 1864
Clifton Suspension Bridge/Opened

Brunel’s crossing opened on December 8th, 1864. The opening of the bridge, from Illustrated London News, December 17th, 1864. Isambard Kingdom Brunel has been described as a titan in an age of titans.

How did they build Clifton Suspension Bridge?

The temporary bridge was anchored by ropes to the rocks below to provide stability in winds. When the first chain was complete the second was built on top, then the third. With the chains complete vertical suspension rods were fastened to the chains by the bolts that linked the chains together.

How long did the Clifton bridge take to build?

33 years
Brunel described the bridge as ‘my first child, my darling’, and the ingenious bridge, which took 33 years to complete, marked the beginning of a great engineering career. Traversing the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge has become a highly recognisable structure that is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions.

Who completed the Clifton Suspension Bridge?

By the early 18th century, increase in traffic and the encroachment of shops on the roadway made the bridge fatally dangerous for many pedestrians. A new bridge, designed by James Bridges and finished by Thomas Paty was built in 1769 and 1776.

Where is the longest suspension bridge in Europe located?

The 516 Arouca, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, hangs above the Aguieiras Waterfall in the Paiva Gorge in Arouca, Portugal.

What is the purpose of a suspension bridge?

A suspension bridge carries vertical loads through curved cables in tension. These loads are transferred both to the towers, which carry them by vertical compression to the ground, and to the anchorages, which must resist the inward and sometimes vertical pull of the cables.

How strong is a suspension bridge?

Steel, which is very strong under tension, is an ideal material for cables; a single steel wire, only 0.1 inch thick, can support over half a ton without breaking. Light, and strong, suspension bridges can span distances from 2,000 to 7,000 feet far longer than any other kind of bridge.

Is the Clifton Suspension Bridge open all the time?

Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s most recognisable structures. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it marks a turning point in the history of engineering and has come to symbolise a city of original thinkers and independent spirit. The Bridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

Who was the designer of the Clifton Bridge?

Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A young and innovative engineer, he was 24 when he was appointed for the project which came about through a competition.

Why did Brunel build the Clifton Bridge in Bristol?

At the same time, one of Brunel’s bridges over the Thames (the Hungerford Suspension Bridge) was being demolished and replaced with one running to a new train station. The steel-link chains of the old bridge were brought to Bristol, and used for the construction of the Clifton bridge.

Where is the suspension bridge in Bristol located?

Shown within Bristol and the UK. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge and the River Avon, linking Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset.