The job does not give the holder age-old perks such as the right to drive sheep across the great structure, but the title “bridge master” does have a certain ring to it. It’s a job less ordinary, isn’t it? It’s a Victorian sounding title and people are really, really interested.” There is, however, nothing ceremonial about the title.
Ralph is in charge of maintaining and running the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a UK feat of engineering, without any public money. It’s so famous and people in Bristol, quite rightly, are proud and almost possessive of it. Bristolians think: ‘It’s our bridge.’” The bridge master – and the not-for-profit charity the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust – have the task of maintaining the bridge “in perpetuity”.
But, no, it’s just the toll money.” Motorised vehicles – including motorcycles – pay £1 to cross the bridge. There is no charge for pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders. As well as being a beautiful structure, it is also a vital part of Bristol and North Somerset’s transport system.
Ralph said: “It draws the tourists in. We get visitors from hundreds of countries every year but primarily, it’s still a vital piece of local infrastructure. If the bridge wasn’t here, the difference it would make to Bristol traffic would be incredible.
We average over 8,000 vehicles a day still. Maintaining it as a transport link is utterly vital.” The end of the refurbishment does not mean Ralph can rest on his laurels and spend more time hobnobbing with members of the Bridge Owners Forum. The under-bridge gantry unit itself will be replaced over the coming years.
So there’s always something. We need to keep on top of things. It’s like your house or your car.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
