Bridge restoration uncovers major damage

A major restoration of Newcastle's Tyne Bridge has uncovered significantly more structural problems than anticipated, with repair requirements more than doubling since the £38.9m project began in 2023.

Restoration costs for the Grade II* listed Tyne Bridge have surged after engineers discovered the 97-year-old structure’s condition was far worse than initially assessed, the BBC reports.

The number of required repairs has more than doubled from 1,000 to over 2,000 since work commenced in 2023, Newcastle City Council confirmed. The additional issues, affecting steelwork, concrete, masonry, waterproofing and drainage, could not be detected until contractor Esh gained access to the bridge’s interior.

Twenty months into the project, council officials say the majority of repairs have now been identified and existing funding of £38.9m will cover the escalating costs. The funding comprises Department for Transport grants, £5m from the joint councils, and £6.3m from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.

Work began on the Gateshead side before moving across the River Tyne. With 25% completion reported in November, the landmark is expected to be fully restored by its centenary in 2028. Teams will spend the coming years working progressively up the bridge’s iconic arch.

A council spokesperson noted additional work on heritage projects of this scale is “not unusual,” adding they remain confident in meeting the timeline and budget parameters.