£5.2m upgrade complete for Tyneside’s ‘world-first’ railway bridge

A year-long project to strengthen the iconic High Level Bridge which provides a vital road and railway link over the River Tyne is now complete.

Network Rail has invested £5.2m to overhaul the underside of the Victorian-built structure which connects Gateshead and Newcastle.

Designed by railway pioneer Robert Stephenson, when complete in 1849 it was the first double-decker road and railway bridge in the world.

Today (Thursday 25 July) High Level Bridge has reopened as normal for pedestrians and road users after essential repainting and strengthening work beneath them.

The 175-year-old bridge needs regular maintenance, and this latest overhaul by Network Rail and contractor AmcoGiffen has seen:

• Grit blasting and repainting of the structural beams holding up the road and pedestrian decks to stop them from being weakened from corrosion
• Structural repairs to wrought ironwork across the bridge at road and pedestrian level
• Waterproofing the road deck and improving the drainage channels on the road to protect the newly refurbished structural beams below
• Resurfacing the carriageway for a smoother ride for cyclists and road traffic

In numbers the project saw:

• 3,300 litres of paint used (primer, mid coat and top coat combined)
• 283 structural beams painted across the bridge’s six spans
• 2.6km of road drainage repaired, waterproofed and re-surfaced
• 460 tonnes of scaffolding installed to make the temporary deck to paint the underside of the road deck

Much of the work happened at night to minimise disruption to road users.

Train journeys have been unaffected with all services running on the top bridge deck as normal throughout the project.

As a Grade I listed structure, a complex scaffolding system had to be hung from the bridge without it interfering with the original ironwork.

Sean Ellerby, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “While much of the work has been happening out of sight beneath the road and walkways, it’s been a huge job to secure the future of this world-first bridge and important link for rail and road between Gateshead and Newcastle.

“I’d like to thank residents’ patience while much of our work had to take place at night, and also road users and pedestrians who’ve been impacted by the scaffolding as we’ve worked around the clock to keep High Level Bridge fit for the future and safe for trains, traffic and pedestrians.”

Chris Pennock, AmcoGiffen framework director, said: “We’re pleased to complete the extensive repairs and improvements safely and successfully at High Level Bridge on behalf of Network Rail. This significant investment has revitalised the 175-year-old landmark and will preserve its structural integrity and historical significance for years to come.”

Throughout the project Network Rail has worked closely with Gateshead Council, which is responsible for maintaining the pedestrian walkways and carriageway, and organising the road closures needed for work to take place.

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, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. 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.”

For more information on the history of High Level Bridge you can visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/iconic-infrastructure/the-history-of-the-high-level-bridge-newcastle/