A project to strengthen the iconic High Level Bridge over the River Tyne has been completed after a year of work.
The Victorian-built structure, which provides a vital road and rail link between Newcastle and Gateshead, was the subject of a £5.2 million investment from Network Rail.
The structure, designed by railway pioneer Robert Stephenson, became the first double-decker road and railway bridge in the world upon its opening in 1849.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said: “The High Level Bridge is an important part of the local travel network. As we want to make these forms of travel as safe, easy and attractive as possible for our communities, it’s great news that the upgrade is complete.
“Its historical significance to the region makes it even more important that we continue to look after the bridge and ensure it remains fit for purpose for generations to come.”
The most recent programme of upgrades to the bridge included:
- Grit blasting and repainting the structural beams holding up the road and pedestrian decks to prevent corrosion
- Structural repairs to wrought ironwork across the bridge
- Waterproofing the road deck and improving drainage channels
- Resurfacing the carriageway
The key numbers behind the project included:
- 3300 litres of paint used
- 283 structural beams painted
- 2.6 km of road drainage repaired, waterproofed and re-surfaced
- 460 tonnes of scaffolding installed temporarily
Stephenson designed the Grade I listed bridge over 175 years ago, with the railway running above, rather than beside, the road to avoid excessive cost and width. The roadway sits at 29 metres above the River Tyne at high water, with the railway eight metres further above. The bridge stretches 408 metres over the Tyne valley.
Image and video credit: Network Rail
