A significant milestone has been achieved in the multi-million-pound restoration of the Tyne Bridge, with project teams successfully completing their target of installing 70% of the protection deck during a 10-day full bridge closure between 23 October and 2 November.
Despite losing around 20 working hours due to Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, contractors recovered the programme and met their objectives. The closure, the first full shutdown of the bridge since restoration began, allowed unrestricted access for engineers to accelerate preparations for work on the bridge’s iconic main arch.
Additional works completed during the closure included the removal of all remaining street lighting columns and preparatory repairs for future phases of the project.
The protection deck is a crucial element of the scheme, enabling scaffolding to be safely erected over the carriageway so restoration of the main arch can begin. This next phase will include grit blasting, steelwork repairs and the application of a specialist protective paint system in the bridge’s distinctive Hollybush Green colour.
Project partners Esh Construction, Infrastructure Site Services (ISS), Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council praised the collaborative planning and delivery of the closure, which involved transporting and installing more than 200 tonnes of scaffolding materials.
The restoration programme remains on schedule for completion ahead of the Tyne Bridge’s centenary in October 2028, with funding provided by the UK Government, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
(Photo credit: Dave Charnley Photography)