Major phase of Tyne Bridge restoration completed

Another major phase of work has been completed within the scaffolding above the Newcastle quayside.

The under deck arch adjacent to the Newcastle Tower has been grit blasted to remove almost 100 years of paint, over 350 repairs carried out to the steelwork and 1,200 rivets replaced. Alongside these essential works, the specialist three coat paint system has been applied, ensuring the structure’s long-term protection. Now, as the encapsulated scaffolding is gradually removed, the iconic Hollybush Green - which the Tyne Bridge is famous for all over the world – is being unveiled to the public.

The completion of this phase means that 25% of the bridge has now been successfully repaired and repainted. The paint colour is as close to the original as possible due to the Tyne Bridge’s Grade II* listed status and the new paint system will give the bridge protection from the elements for the next 30 years.

Cllr Juna Sathian, cabinet member for transport and climate at Newcastle City Council said: “It’s great to be on site and see the latest stage of the restoration work. Just seeing each completed section’s transformation is impressive as we restore an icon to its former glory.

“Much of the work has to be kept behind the scenes in encapsulated scaffolding, so I am really pleased that people will begin to see this next completed stage of the restoration as the Tyne Bridge means so much to all of us.

“I am incredibly proud of all the teams who have worked so hard and passionately to reach this next milestone.”

Cllr John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: "The Tyne Bridge is so symbolic of home for anybody from either side of the river, and it’s really important for people to see the new paint emerge from under the scaffolding.

“We can now get a real sense of what the completed restoration will do for the bridge – and the pride we will all feel to see it complete.” 

The scaffolding around the Newcastle tower is gradually being dismantled down to the protection deck, and passersby will see the major transformation which has taken place. The underside of the main bridge deck has also been grit blasted, repaired and painted but will remain hidden behind scaffolding until next year.

Elsewhere on the project, work is continuing on the bridge’s parapets and curved screen plates below the west footway.

There are planned weekday overnight closures of the Tyne Bridge this month, to allow for a new scaffolded footway on the east footway to be constructed so pedestrians can safely use the bridge while the restoration continues. The scaffolding will mirror the walkway on the west footway, however it won’t include the white encapsulation wrapping while it is available for pedestrian use. A metal sheeting surround and artificial lighting will be installed for the safety of pedestrians.

Esh Construction is carrying out the restoration on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead Councils. Gareth Dawson, Esh Construction’s Senior Project Manager, said: “The project’s complexity means we don’t often pause to reflect on the transformation taking place. This latest milestone is a reminder of the progress made across the scheme with over 6,000 litres of paint applied so far. We’re proud to unveil another fully restored section, offering the public a clear view of the progress and the care invested in preserving this landmark.”

The programme remains on schedule and is expected to be complete in time for the bridge’s centenary in 2028.

The Tyne Bridge multi-million-pound restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from the North East Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.