Tyne Bridge Restoration Moves To Next Phase Following Repairs To Eastern Footway Hangers

The restoration of the iconic Grade II* listed Tyne Bridge is moving to the next phase as structural repairs and interventions on the bridge’s eastern footway hangers are now complete.

North east contractor Esh Construction started restoration efforts in April of last year with an extensive clean-up within the bridge’s deck void. This phase involved removing accumulated dirt, rust and an estimated 9t of pigeon droppings, which was necessary before further assessment and repairs could proceed.

Inspections within the 1.5m-high void uncovered significant deterioration, necessitating repairs to strengthen the key supporting hangers that bear the load of vehicular traffic. Additionally, several sections of the supporting steel bracing were found to be too corroded to repair and have since been replaced.

Now that the work on the eastern footway is concluded, restoration efforts will move to the western footway, where the same sequence of work will be undertaken. Traffic management will be adapted accordingly, while maintaining one lane in each direction to ensure safety for both pedestrians and workers during the repairs.

In parallel to the activities on the footway, notable progress has been made on the Gateshead quayside where repairs and repainting underneath the bridge have been finalised. A thorough grit blasting process has removed as many as 11 layers of paint that had accumulated over the last 96 years, allowing the steelwork to be restored and painted in the traditional Hollybush green.

Further repairs on vital structural components have also occurred on the main structural members of the bridge within the Gateshead scaffold which involved removal and replacement of several corroded supporting steel elements. The required complex temporary works required to ensure that temporary support could bypass weakened members during restoration.

The dismantling of the scaffolding on the Gateshead quayside is now underway, which will mean the significant progress made over the last 11 months will soon be visible.

Grit blasting has now commenced on the Newcastle quayside, while in-depth investigations and cleaning are being undertaken to check the level of repairs required under the bridge deck, within the suspended underdeck scaffold which has recently been installed.

The project is being managed by Esh Construction in collaboration with both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council. The project is funded by the UK government alongside both councils.

Esh Construction divisional director Steven Garrigan said: “As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region. Achieving this latest milestone is down to the collaboration, hard work and dedication from all involved.

“Alongside this, we are also working closely within the local community to make a difference. From engaging with more than 2,000 students from both Newcastle and Gateshead schools to offering 450 days of work experience, we want to ensure that this project, that means so much to so many, inspires the next generation of construction workers.”

Newcastle City Council cabinet member for climate and transport Juna Sathian said: “We’re almost one year into this four-year programme, and it is impressive to see the work that has taken place so far as we restore an icon to its former glory.

“These are really important works to not only preserve the bridge for future generations, but also to maintain a key asset of our highways infrastructure, used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.

“This next milestone is testament to the dedication of all the teams involved, who are hugely proud to be part of the restoration of this iconic structure.”

Gateshead Council cabinet member for the environment and transport John McElroy said: : “The restoration of the Tyne Bridge is progressing really well. The team on site are achieving great things, and it’s also really important to see the wider benefits to the region.

“Children in local schools are getting to see what’s involved in this type of work, and there is a ripple effect of local contractors working on such an iconic structure, providing employment and developing skills for the future.

“We also want to thank everyone who has adjusted how they travel during the restoration work, taking different routes or switching to the bus or Metro, to help keep the region moving.”

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