Scaffolders met the target of completing 70% of the Tyne Bridge’s overhead protection deck during its ten-day closure
The installation moves the restoration closer to work on the main steel arch in early 2027. Subcontractor Infrastructure Site Services (ISS) prepared and delivered more than 200 tonnes of scaffolding for the closure phase, according to managing director Christian Farquhar.
The bridge was closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists from 23 October to 2 November. Esh said it was the first full closure to all users since restoration began, giving teams unrestricted access above and across the carriageway.
Around 20 working hours were lost to bad weather at the start of the closure, but the contractor said teams recovered the programme. They also removed the remaining street lighting columns and carried out preparatory work for vehicle restraint system plates and further repairs.
Farquhar said:
“Logistically, we had to prepare and deliver over 200 tonnes of scaffolding for the closure phase.”
He said deliveries had to continue progressively throughout the working days. ISS, Esh and both councils had planned the operation together, coordinating materials, labour and access ahead of the October half-term closure while preparing for the remaining deck work.
As Scaffmag reported ahead of the closure, the protection deck spans the carriageway and footpaths. It will allow the crossing to remain in use while restoration moves onto the arch above.
The published installation plan uses independent scaffold legs along both footpaths, with twin aluminium beams spanning between them. Scaffold boards and temporary carriageway lighting complete the arrangement.
Esh senior project manager Gareth Dawson said structural repairs within the bridge’s voids were essential to the next stage. Restoring lost capacity allows the bridge to carry the additional scaffolding loads needed to reach the main arch, he said.
Work on the remaining protection deck is continuing through November. Esh expects scaffolding around the main arch to become visible over the festive period and into 2027.
The arch restoration will include grit blasting, steelwork repairs and a specialist three-coat protective paint system, finished in Hollybush Green. Earlier phases have covered the under arches beside the towers, the underside of the main river span, hangers, parapets and curved screen plates.
Esh is delivering the scheme for Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council. The contractor said the overall restoration remains on schedule to finish ahead of the bridge’s centenary in October 2028.
