Nine tonnes of pigeon guano has been removed during the clean-up part of the project. Credit: Newcastle City Council

Restoration of the Tyne Bridge moves from east to west

3 March 2025 16:52 Sally Gibson Comments (0)

One year on from work beginning on the grade two-listed landmark, Esh Construction has completed structural repairs on hangers in the bridge’s eastern footway.

Esh is delivering the scheme in partnership with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.

Work can now move into the next phase, where it will carry out the same clean-up, inspection, and essential repairs on the western footway.

Traffic management will be adjusted accordingly, with cars continuing to use one lane in each direction.

Elsewhere on the major civil engineering project, repair work and painting has been completed under the deck of the structure on the Gateshead quayside, within the scaffolding adjacent to the tower, which is currently being dismantled.

Grit blasting has removed 96 years of previous paint coatings – up to 11 layers in total – and the steelwork has been cleaned and repaired where required before being painted in Hollybush green.

Grit blasting has now started under the deck of the structure on the Newcastle quayside.

The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as funds from both the involved councils, although Keir Starmer recently cast doubt on the security of the final £6m of funding needed for the project.

Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region.”

Cllr Juna Sathian, cabinet member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council, 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.”

Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, 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.”