Scaffolding to span River Tyne in bridge restoration

A major phase in the revitalisation of the Tyne Bridge is set to begin.

Esh Construction, which is delivering the restoration on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead councils, is working with contractor Infrastructure Site Solutions (ISS) to erect a suspended scaffold stretching 100 metres between the Newcastle and Gateshead towers.

Operatives will work 84 feet above the river, secured by harnesses, with a safety boat on standby. Protective sheeting will enclose the scaffold to safeguard workers, the public and the environment during cleaning, grit blasting and repainting.

Gareth Dawson, Esh Construction’s project manager, said: “A programme resequencing exercise has allowed the underdeck scaffolding to be actioned earlier than originally planned, given work to install the scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower has also progressed well.

“The change in programme will provide efficiencies throughout the project given the scale of the repair and restoration work to be delivered.”

The four-year project involves more than 180 miles of scaffolding tubes weighing 13,000 tonnes, installed in 20 phases to prevent overloading the Grade II-listed bridge. Behind the scenes, structural repairs are underway on three of the bridge’s 36 hangers, which support the carriageway.

Councillor Dr Juna Sathian, cabinet member for climate change and transport at Newcastle City Council, added: “I am really delighted with progress on site as we restore this icon to its former glory.

“The team behind the restoration programme have really hit the ground running since they have been on site and everyone involved is hugely proud and passionate to be part of this major project to preserve this much-loved icon for future generations.”

Back in October, the restoration reached an important milestone when the first restored section of the Gateshead tower was unveiled, showcasing blasted, repaired and repainted steel.

The bridge will be coated in “Hollybush” green, a colour closely resembling its original shade, using a durable paint designed to last 30 years.

With more than 1000 repairs planned, the project aims to preserve the historic landmark for future generations, addressing steel, concrete, stonework, masonry, drainage, bridge deck waterproofing and more.

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