A new custom-designed drainage system and resurfacing project are kicking off £1M worth of improvements at the Clifton Suspension Bridge. ‘Our aim is to get rainwater off the bridge as quickly as possible to avoid penetration of water below road level, causing corrosion of the structure,’ said bridge master David Anderson. After trials of different methods, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) will be used to provide continuous drainage channels across the bridge. Anderson says consultation with English Heritage and the local planning authorities during the trial stage has been positive and he is optimistic that the system will receive Listed Building Consent. This, plus resurfacing the road over the bridge, will have a budget of £650,000. The next project planned for the bridge will be to improve the security of the towers.