How many light bulbs are used to illuminate the bridge at night ?

None! The state-of-the-art illumination system on the Clifton Suspension Bridge was formally switched on at a ceremony on Saturday 8 April 2006, the eve of the 200th birthday of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The system comprises four elements:

Along the length of the chains from which the bridge is suspended are more than 3,000 one watt LEDs (light emitting diodes), in groups of three, each focussed on a small section of the chain and throwing into relief the giant nuts which connect the links;

Fluorescent tubes beneath the handrail illuminate the walkway and silhouette and emphasise the delicate design of the iron lattice running the length of the bridge;

Lamps concealed within the arches of the two piers at each end of the bridge, and in the spaces around the top, reinforce the three-dimensional aspects of the bridge. The two sides of each pier are washed with light, carefully directed and focussed to avoid the problems associated with urban glow.

Low powered lights concealed beneath each end of the Bridge deck gently downlight the abutments so that, when viewed from the north or south, the Bridge no longer appears to 'float' above the Avon Gorge but can be seen to be connected to the structures which support it.

The illumination system normally uses no more electricity than a detached house with its domestic appliances switched on.