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The Tyne Bridge restoration project has reached a new stage as scaffolding is installed around the bridge’s parapets, with work now underway to prepare for major repairs and repainting.
Contractors have begun constructing so-called “up and overs” on the west footway. The structures extend from the underdeck, up the side, and over the parapet, creating access for work on the screen plates and parapets.
As part of the process, a pedestrian tunnel will be built to allow people to continue using the bridge safely. The west footway tunnel is expected to open in early 2026, with a similar structure planned for the east side later in the programme.
Once the parapet and screen plate work is finished, the scaffolding will be removed, making way for a safety deck to be built on the bridge deck. This will allow work to begin on the bridge’s central arch.
Councillor Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for transport and climate, said the progress was welcome: “It’s great to see such fantastic progress being made on the Tyne Bridge, as we restore an icon to its former glory.
With 20 different phases of scaffolding required, this is a complex programme designed to keep the bridge open while the restoration continues.”
Councillor John McElroy, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, added: “The detailed work completed on the bridge structure is so impressive. When the programme is complete, we will see the bridge looking fantastic, like new.”
Esh Construction, which is delivering the scheme on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead councils, confirmed more than 2,000 rivets have been replaced and 420 separate repairs carried out during the latest stage.
13,000 tonnes of scaffolding
In total, 13,000 tonnes of scaffolding components will be used across the project – roughly the weight of six London Eyes.
Gareth Dawson, senior project manager at Esh, said: “As the repair and repainting work within the Newcastle quayside scaffolding and underdeck scaffolding heads towards completion, we’re pleased to be moving into the next phase which focuses on the parapets and screen plates.”
More than 350 repairs have already been made to the bridge’s under-arch on the Newcastle quayside, with the distinctive Hollybush Green paintwork now being applied.
The £multi-million restoration is being funded by the UK Government, the North East Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
Overnight closures of the Tyne Bridge will be required later this year to allow the pedestrian tunnel works to go ahead.
