Two-year milestone on Tyne Bridge reached

Today (Thursday 2 April) marks two years on site as work progresses on the Tyne Bridge.

Over the last 24 months, the Grade II* listed structure has been undergoing restoration works to return it to its former glory, with Esh Construction delivering the restoration programme on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead councils.

Within that time period, various sections of the Tyne Bridge were encapsulated in scaffolding as restoration work gathered pace.

Work has been completed on the under arches adjacent to the Newcastle and Gateshead towers, the underdeck of the bridge which spans across the river from tower to tower, structural repairs have taken place on the bridge’s hangers which are located within the footways, and most recently, the west side of the bridge’s parapet and curved screen plates.

Each completed section of steel has been grit blasted to remove 11 coats of paint since it was first built, steel work repairs made and then finally the specialist three-coat paint system used, which will protect the bridge for another 30 years before repainting, with its final coat in its distinctive Hollybush Green.

Due to its Grade II* listed status, the paint colour being used is a British Standard 4800 colour referenced 14C39 called ‘Hollybush’. This is as close to the original colour as possible.

The new paint system has been chosen for its durability, UV resistance, protective and colour retention qualities, and its resistance to the harsh atmospheric environment of the bridge, sitting above a tidal river and subject to the winds of the Tyne Valley gorge.

Work is now taking place on the bridge’s parapets and curved screen plates on the east side, where the sequence of grit blasting, repairs and repainting will be repeated on this section of the bridge which is expected to continue into the Autumn.

Pamela Holmes, Assistant Director for Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “We’re making great progress on site as we restore an icon to its former glory.

“It’s been a hugely challenging and complex project due to the sheer size of the bridge, its age and Grade II* listed status, protecting the kittiwake colony from disturbance, the massive scope of work required as well as keeping the bridge open to traffic and pedestrians throughout the four-year programme.

“Everyone involved in the project is hugely passionate and proud to be preserving this iconic landmark for future generations.”

Anneliese Hutchinson, Strategic Director for Economy, Innovation and Growth at Gateshead Council, said: “The restoration work completed to date has been so impressive.

“The bridge holds such an important place in the life of the region, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the project completing in time for the centenary.”

Stephen McClean, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, shared some key facts on work completed so far, he said: “Over the past two years, we’ve made strong progress with the restoration, despite uncovering additional repairs. So far, we’ve completed 1,546 repairs, from minor over-plating due to loss of section up to major steel section replacements requiring complex temporary works.

“We’ve also replaced 3,926 rivets – some of which have been auctioned to raise funds for local charities – and applied more than 7,200 litres of paint.

“As a local contractor, we’re proud to be delivering this iconic regional project and look forward to works progressing onto the main arch in 2027.”

Scaffolding will also begin on the bridge deck in Autumn 2026 to create a protection deck above the carriageway. This will pave the way for works to begin on the main bridge arch in 2027.

By the end of 2026, all repairs and painting works from the carriageway down to the quayside and across the river span will be completed, and the scaffolding below the bridge will be fully removed.

The multi-million-pound programme remains on schedule 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.