Latest news with #CliftonSuspensionBridge
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic UK bridge used by thousands of drivers every day to close for four days from TODAY
A BRIDGE used daily by thousands of drivers will close for four days from today. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, in Bristol, will temporarily shut down amid essential works. 2 2 Motorised vehicle and cyclist traffic will be prohibited from 7pm on Friday, May 16 to 7am on Monday, May 19. However, pedestrian access will remain unchanged during the four-day period. The contractors Taziker will be installing high-level lights around the towers while using roped access. In addition, they will also be carrying out further scaffolding and painting work. Speaking in a statement on the Clifton Suspension Bridge website, Bridge Master Trish Johnson said: "As part of this project to conserve the bridge for many years to come, we need to schedule occasional road closures to carry out works safely. "During these closures our contractor, Taziker, will be undertaking electrical works, scaffolding works, and painting the chains from the roadway. "We will also take advantage of the closure to conduct inspections and general maintenance. "During these bridge closures pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge, but cycling will be prohibited. "Cyclists may dismount and walk across the bridge, but as only one narrow footway will be open, cyclists are requested to avoid using the bridge if possible. "Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust wishes to apologise for the inconvenience which these closures will cause. Millions stuck in limbo as all highways and bridges shut down in major city – simple swap avoids travel headache "We hope that by keeping the road open during weekdays we will minimise the disruption caused." Earlier this month, the A3 and M25 around Wisley in Surrey were affected by a series of closures. Junction 10, where both motorways meet, has been part of an ongoing project to widen the A3. The closure was put in place to allow for resurfacing work. A419 closures - May 12-16 Monday May 12-Tuesday May 13 Roadworks started at 8pm on May 12 when the northbound carriageway was shut until 6am on Tuesday between the Commonhead junction and the A420. On Tuesday May 13, the northbound carriageway will shut from 8pm until 6am the following morning between the Commonhead junction and the A420. Wednesday May 14-Friday May 1 6 The southbound and northbound carriageways between the Commonhead Roundabout and junction 15 of the M4 will be closed from 8pm to 6am Workers are hopeful the project will be finished by Spring 2026. Meanwhile, drivers who use the A419 in and around Swindon faced a week of disruption. National Highways deemed the closure necessary while carrying out routine maintenance including carriageway sweeping. Motorists were advised to ensure they planed their route in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Clifton Suspension Bridge shuts to traffic for one weekend
Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol will be closed to traffic over the weekend for city landmark will shut to vehicles and cyclists from 19:00 BST on Friday to 07:00 BST on Monday while lights are installed on its two towers. Pedestrians will still have access, closure will also allow workers to continue painting chains and erect scaffolding, staff said on the Clifton Suspension Bridge website.A diversion will be in place via Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and A369 Rownham Hill. Vehicles following the signed route will be exempt from Bristol City Council's Clean Air Zone. Bridgemaster Trish Johnson said: "As part of this project to conserve the bridge for many years to come, we need to schedule occasional road closures to carry out works safely."She said cyclists could dismount and push their bikes across the bridge, but said they were requested to avoid using it if possible as only one footway would be open.
Sky News
07-05-2025
- Sky News
Man whose body was found in suitcase 'had raped and blackmailed teenager', court told
A man whose dismembered body was found in a suitcase had raped and blackmailed a teenager, a court has heard. The remains of Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, were found in a suitcase and trunk which had been left near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol in July 2024. Yostin Mosquera is on trial at the Old Bailey in London accused of murdering and dismembering Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth. The 35-year-old denies both murders but has admitted the manslaughter of Mr Alfonso. A witness, giving evidence under the pseudonym James Smith, appeared at the trial by video link on Wednesday. Mr Smith said he met Mr Alfonso nearly 20 years ago when he was around 17 or 18 and had gone to his flat for drinks. He said he remembered drinking heavily and then waking up with a "banging headache". "I said to him, 'what's happened?' - he showed me a video of me on all fours and he was penetrating me," he told the court. "I didn't know what to do. I was mortified. At this point, I didn't know my sexuality - I was confused and scared." He said Mr Alfonso told him if he did "favours", the video would never be shared. Under cross-examination, defence barrister Tom Little KC asked: "Does it cross your mind, looking back, that you were raped?" "Now, yes," Mr Smith replied. "And does it cross your mind that your drink may have been spiked?", the barrister asked. "Now, yes," the witness responded. "Does it cross your mind that you were groomed by Albert Alfonso?", Mr Little asked. "Now, yes," Mr Smith said. After the alleged incident, the two met regularly, with Mr Alfonso paying Mr Smith around £150 for each sexual encounter, the court heard. During the COVID pandemic, the witness said he became closer with Mr Alfonso and began spending time with Mr Longworth. Mr Smith told the court he was later introduced to Mosquera. He said the relationship between Mosquera and Mr Alfonso was "good - very good". "I didn't see anything that seemed like they disliked each other," he added. He described Mr Longworth as someone who "wouldn't hurt a fly". Mr Smith said the final time he saw Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth was on a Friday evening before the bodies were discovered. "Albert gave me a hug, Paul gave me a hug, and that was the last I heard of those two," he said. The trial continues.
