A Grade I listed bridge that links Newcastle and Gateshead will undergo a £4m refurbishment. The High Level Bridge has fractured ironwork and peeling paint.
A Grade I listed bridge that links Newcastle and Gateshead will undergo a £4m refurbishment programme, the BBC reports. The High Level Bridge has fractured ironwork causing water seepage into the deck, and has peeling paint on all the cross girders. Network Rail will carry out the repairs after the respective councils granted permission.
Jake Walton, senior asset engineer for Network Rail, said: “We are undertaking major refurbishment works to High Level Bridge, which will make sure that it stays safe and reliable well into the future.”
He added: “We’re investing around £4m in the project, helping us sustainably manage this iconic 170-year-old structure, which is a symbol of history and marvellous feat of engineering in the North East. We will begin work in the summer and this will run through to spring 2024.”
“We’ve worked closely with Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council to minimise disruption and whilst the road will be closed at night, vehicles will still be able to use the bridge as normal during the day. Passengers can stay on the move as services won’t be impacted, whilst cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge at all times.”
The bridge was constructed over the River Tyne between 1845 and 1849 as part of the linking of the English and Scottish rail network. It was designed by the celebrated engineer Robert Stephenson, and is thought to have been the world’s first dual purpose railway and road bridge. It was granted Grade I listed status in 1950.
The repairs are expected to be completed within seven months. The bridge will remain open to traffic during the day and will be closed at night.
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