Work to reconstruct the Whorlton Suspension Bridge in County Durham has moved into its re‑erection phase after an extensive design review found many original components were no longer structurally sound.

The Grade II‑listed structure, which opened in 1831 and is recognised as the oldest road suspension bridge in the UK whose deck is supported by its original iron chains, has been out of action since 2020.

Scheduled monument consent for the works was granted in December 2023.

By the end of 2024 it had been dismantled as part of a conservation and strengthening project.

Contractor VolkerLaser removed the timber elements first – carriageway, footway and longitudinal timbers – followed by hanger rods and the main chains. Around 1,800 individual components were catalogued and stored on site with the intention of re‑using them in their original positions wherever possible.

Inspections of the recovered parts, however, revealed widespread deterioration. The condition surveys included visual examination, Magnetic Particle Inspection, and, in some cases, radiography and load testing. Those tests indicated a number of key components could not safely be reused in load‑bearing roles, prompting a redesign agreed with Historic England.

Each individual element underwent inspection including Magnetic Particle Inspection

Under the revised approach, new load‑bearing elements will be fabricated to replicate the appearance and strength of the original chain while allowing the historic wrought‑iron chain arms to be retained as a non‑load‑bearing façade. The hanger rods have also been reworked to preserve the bridge’s historic look but incorporate a new tuning system intended to make maintenance simpler and to prevent the distortions that contributed to the bridge’s earlier failure.

Since the redesign was signed off in December 2025, the project team has been fabricating replacement parts, trialling a new timber deck and installing new chain bearing blocks and reconditioned cast‑iron saddles. Preparations are now under way to re‑erect the bridge structure on site.

Repair and strengthening work has continued at the bridge anchorages. On the north side, five reinforced concrete piles and a pile cap with two anchor beams have been installed; six piles and a pile cap have been installed on the south side.

VolkerLaser says it aims to complete the installation phase by July, with road reinstatement and demobilisation planned for August.

The bridge spans the River Tees near the village of Whorlton and has drawn attention in recent years because of its age and the rarity of its construction. Local residents and heritage groups have generally supported restoration efforts as a way to keep the historic crossing in public use but the project illustrates the technical and conservation challenges of repairing early 19th‑century ironwork to modern safety standards.

The project has been funded as part of Durham County Council’s £20M grant from the first tranche of the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2021.

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