ICE president hails Tyne Bridge restoration plans

This post was originally published on this site

It’s going to take more than a ‘lick of paint’ to restore the landmark Tyne Bridge, but then it is a mammoth and complex operation to preserve the regional icon for future generations – and safeguard a colony of kittihawks, too.

Thorough investigations of the historic Grade II-listed bridge have outlined more than 900 repairs that need to be carried out. This involves steel, concrete, stonework, and masonry repairs. In addition, it also needs drainage improvements, bridge deck waterproofing, resurfacing, parapet protection, and bridge joint replacement. Quite the makeover, in other words.

The harmonious interplay of civil engineering and nature is a key theme for professor Anusha Shah, president of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), so the restoration project is doubly significant. Earlier this month, she met the team behind the project during a visit to the North East, where she heard first hand the challenges and proposed solution the project will entail.

Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) chair, Ross Markwell, and director, Stuart Miller, also joined the visit.

They were welcomed by key partners responsible for delivering the programme; they included Esh Construction, Newcastle City Council, and WSP. They talked Shah, and the ICE president’s Future Leader, Ramsha Saleem, through the finer details of the widely anticipated restoration.

The visit took place ahead of work on the main bridge deck getting underway in April. Scaffolding wrapped with a protective sheeting to protect the public will be installed to allow repairs and surface blasting to be undertaken before the bridge can be painted.

To deliver the repairs and strengthening safely, the scaffold will be installed over approximately 20 phases to maintain the integrity of the structure’s load capacity, while keeping the road and footpaths open to traffic and pedestrians throughout the project. These loading constraints result in the programme to complete the restoration being across four years.

Steven Garrigan, Esh Construction’s divisional director, said: “Contrary to wider perceptions, this project is far more than just a ‘lick of paint’.

“The condition of the existing structure requires the design of some complex temporary works in order to provide scaffolding to access the repairs and strengthening works which are essential to futureproof the bridge for the next 100 years and more.

“As a local contractor, we are proud to be restoring a regional icon and it was a pleasure to welcome professor Shah and CECA to see the progress to date.”

Initial works got underway on the Gateshead quayside in September last year, following the departure of the kittiwakes. The 159th ICE president heard how the first project milestone has recently been reached, with the installation and encapsulation of the first phase of scaffold complete.

‘Kittiwake hotels’

In recognition of Shah’s ‘Nature and People Positive’ theme for her presidential year – a campaign for civil engineering projects to be delivered in harmony with nature – the team outlined the key environmental factors that are being considered throughout the project.

The entire construction programme has taken into account the mitigations required for the farthest inland kittiwake colony, which chooses the Tyne Bridge as a nesting location from February to August.

To account for reduced nesting provision in certain sections of the bridge, two nesting ledges, dubbed ‘kittiwake hotels’ have been specially built on the Gateshead towers.

Shah said: “It was an honour to visit and learn about the upcoming major refurbishment programme of the iconic Tyne Bridge, an instantly recognisable symbol of the North East and a structure the region is so rightly proud of.

“These important works are a perfect example of the undeniable interrelationship between infrastructure and nature, given the careful consideration and management of the kittiwake colony.

“The passion and the enthusiasm of the project team for the task at hand shines through, as well as the pride they each have towards the Tyne Bridge, and I wish them the best of luck in restoring this regional icon for generations to come.

“Thanks to Esh Construction, and the wider project team, for taking the time to take me through the finer details of this much anticipated project.”

Defining symbol

Pamela Holmes, assistant director for transport at Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re delighted to host this visit and showcase our much-loved Tyne Bridge and the vital plans we have in place to see it returned to its former glory.

“The Tyne Bridge is the defining symbol of the North East, as well as a major gateway to the city, and we’re all incredibly proud to be part of the team restoring this iconic structure and preserving it for future generations.”

Stuart Miller, director of CECA in the North East, said: “Restoring the Tyne Bridge is an exciting project that will put a spotlight on civil engineering within the region. The continued investment in infrastructure in the North East serves to boost economic growth – supporting contractors and the local supply chain.

“This scheme will return a symbolic Grade II-listed structure back to its former glory, and in doing so, will provide investment through procurement for local businesses and jobs for local people. Esh Construction is well known for its commitment to delivering award-winning social value, and I look forward to seeing what opportunities this will generate throughout the programme.”

The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK government, as well as monies from both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council. The government signed off £35.2m last month towards the cost of two projects: The restoration of the Tyne Bridge and the Central Motorway upgrade.

The council still awaits confirmation of the remaining £6m which was announced as part of the Network North plan in October.

Read next: Akela claims new precast beam a “game-changer” for housing

Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.