The 1,800 parts of a historic suspension bridge in the northeast of England are now safely in storage, ready for testing and restoration.

Whorlton Bridge over the river Tees in County Durham is the UK’s oldest road suspension bridge and it still has its original iron support chains.

Whorlton Bridge during the dismantling work. Credit: Durham County Council

Contractor VolkerLaser used a cable crane under the bridge to perform the work.

Damage to the bridge in 2019 prompted an inspection, and in response it was closed the following year. Then followed two years of engineering planning to ensure work did not further damage the delicate structure.

The bridge is a historic monument, and Durham County Council and its contractor VolkerLaser are working closely with two central government bodies, Historic England and The Environment Agency.

Reconstruction will continue in the spring.