Major part of the Tyne Bridge’s restoration work to start ahead of schedule

Specialist operatives have begun work to install a 100 metre long scaffolding structure that will span the full length of the rusted crossing, between its Newcastle and Gateshead towers.

The refurbishment of the main bridge deck was not expected to get underway until next autumn, under the £32 million project to return the North East icon to its former glory.

But engineers have deemed it possible to get a headstart by erecting the scaffolding now, a complex process that will involve workers needing to be attached by a safety harness as they move across the underside of the bridge – 84ft above the river below, where a safety boat will be stationed.

Once the scaffolding is in place, contractors Esh will be able to carry out cleaning, grit blasting, and steelwork repairs on the main stretch of the bridge and will gradually move its famous arch over the next couple of years.

The first restored and repainted sections of the Tyne Bridge were unveiled in October, after the long-awaited maintenance scheme began this April on the Gateshead side of the river, and the next set of repairs will be carried out around the Newcastle tower.

Bosses say that putting the scaffolding in place across the full underside of the bridge now will “provide efficiencies throughout the project” – however, its completion date is still estimated to be summer 2028.

It is hoped that the Tyne Bridge will be back to its best in time for its 100th anniversary celebrations in October 2028.

Labour councillor Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council’s new cabinet member for transport, said: “I am really delighted with progress on site as we restore this icon to its former glory.

“The team behind the restoration programme have really hit the ground running since they have been on site and everyone involved is hugely proud and passionate to be part of this major project to preserve this much-loved icon for future generations.”

In total, more than 13,000 tonnes of scaffolding will be used throughout the Tyne Bridge restoration – a weight equivalent to six London Eyes and too heavy for the grade-II* listed structure to bear if it were all installed at once.

Over 180 miles of scaffolding tubes will be used throughout the four-year project, which would reach from Newcastle to Dundee if laid end-to-end.

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Gareth Dawson, Esh Construction’s project manager, added: “A programme resequencing exercise has allowed the underdeck scaffolding to be actioned earlier than originally planned given work to install the scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower has also progressed well. The change in programme will provide efficiencies throughout the project given the scale of the repair and restoration work to be delivered, this scheme is far more than ‘just a lick of paint’.”

Meanwhile, repairs are also due to begin on three of the bridge’s 36 steel hangers that have been found to be in need of strengthening.

Investigations have revealed that the Tyne Bridge requires more than 1,000 separate repairs, having not undergone major maintenance for more than 20 years.

Questions still remain over the final piece of Government funding for the project, however.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has provided an initial £35.2 million towards the overall £41.4 million cost of fixing up both the Tyne Bridge and a section of the Central Motorway, but is yet to confirm whether it will honour a pledge by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to cover 100% of the costs.