Maintenance Portway,_Bristol



at southern end of portway clifton suspension bridge, concrete canopy protects against falling rocks.


traffic levels increased substantially on portway when m5 motorway extended past cribbs causeway meet in 1971, provided convenient way of avoiding congested road network around north-west bristol. although intended stopgap measure until avonmouth bridge completed, construction of bridge repeatedly delayed. transport minister keith speed proposed temporary solution of signing midlands – south west traffic via portway, followed either a369 bristol portishead northbound, or local roads southbound. scheme required minor upgrading junctions along portway. avonmouth bridge opened in may 1974, making scheme redundant.


rockfalls limestone cliffs of avon gorge have caused hazard motorists on occasion , every year road closed allow inspection of cliffs potentially dangerous cracks , loose rocks, , allow remedial works. in 1980, glass fibre reinforced concrete canopy constructed on portway close passes below clifton suspension bridge, in order protect traffic such rock falls.


in 2001, 27-inch (690 mm) water main burst near junction bridge valley road, causing major collapse , putting road out of action several months. 1 passer-by swept river rescued uninjured.









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