More behind the scenes images as work progresses on the iconic Tyne Bridge

With the Tyne Bridge’s major restoration well underway, more images have been released showing progress on the iconic structure.

Image Credit: Andrew Heptinstall Photography

Since April, operatives have been working within the encapsulated scaffolding around the Gateshead Tower, where grit blasting is taking place to remove over 96 years of previous paint coatings.

The heritage of the bridge is also evident, where an inscription of Middlesbrough-based Dorman, Long and Co., who famously constructed the bridge, has been blasted and primed ready for painting.

The inscription is located under the deck within the scaffold adjacent to the Gateshead Tower. The first section of the bridge has been grit blasted and the team are now working across 12 floors of scaffolding to repair and prime the steel before it can be painted.

Elsewhere on the project, operatives have been working within the tight confines of the 1.5m high bridge deck void, which is under the footway, where a full clean-up operation is underway to remove dirt, rust and pigeon guano. So far 9 tonnes of pigeon guano has been removed and eight hangers have been grit blasted to allow structural repairs to commence.

As guano is a hazardous substance, it needs to be removed so the team can work in a safe environment for essential structural repairs to be carried out on the bridge hangers. It is sent off site to a licenced waste and recycling centre to be safely disposed of.

The full £32m programme of works to the Tyne Bridge includes steelwork repairs, grit blasting and re-painting, concrete repairs, drainage improvements, stonework and masonry repairs, bridge deck waterproofing and resurfacing, parapet protection and bridge joint replacement.

A number of improvements to public transport, walking and cycling routes have been put in place to encourage people to use these forms of travel to help ease traffic congestion, while the bridge is reduced to one lane in direction for up to two years.

The four-year programme is expected to be complete in Summer 2028, ahead of the bridge’s centenary in October 2028.

The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council and is being delivered by Esh Construction.