Bristol city councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the harbour committees, said the work is being done to “prevent overloading” of the bridge.
“Our operational staff are fitting this work in around their regular duties, and plan to remove the majority of locks using bolt croppers to minimise any damage and disruption, keeping the bridge open for as long as possible,” he said.
“This approach means we expect work to continue into mid-September.
“Towards the end of the works, when the final, more difficult to remove locks will be cut away using an angle grinder, the bridge may need to be closed for short inspection periods.
“We recognise the sentimental value of these locks and the importance of providing a place where people can still visit their lock to remember the reasons they attached it to the bridge.”