A popular bridge used by thousands of drivers every day is set to close today as part of a major refurbishment project. Clifton Suspension Bridge in will be shut to traffic for three days as contractors carry out important maintenance work.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic and cyclists for three days, with the road shut from 7pm today (May 16) umtil 7am on Monday (May 19). However, officials have confirmed that pedestrians will still be able to use the crossing with only vehicles and cyclists prohibited. The closures will allow contractors to carry out the installation of high-level lights around the towers using roped access.

Contractors will also continue painting the chains from the carriageway side, while there are also plans to carry out further scaffolding works.

Bridge Master Trish Johnson stressed the work would continue to preserve the bridge for "many years to come". However, officials still apologised for the inconvenience, with road users likely to feel the impact over the weekend.

She 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.

"Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust wishes to apologise for the inconvenience which these closures will cause. We hope that by keeping the road open during weekdays we will minimise the disruption caused."

Statistics show that every day.

The bridge was designed by legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Grade 1 listed building is one of the most iconic sights of North Somerset.

The bridge operates as a toll road with road users and motorcyclists forced to pay £1 to cross.

A diversion route will be in place with drivers using Bridge Valley Road, Brunel Way and A369 Rownham Hill.