Newcastle’s Swing Bridge undergoes specialist make over

There may have been fog on the Tyne when building and roofing specialist, Hodgson Sayers, undertook work on Newcastle landmark, the Swing Bridge, but the project was music to the ears of the team involved.

Standing impressively over the River Tyne, the bridge first carried road traffic in 1876 before it was opened for river vessels the following year.

Currently, the bridge opens approximately four times a week to allow vessels up and down the river.

The Stanley-based company, was appointed by main contractor, Colas, which is undertaking the refurbishment of the bridge and managing the contract to remove the lead covering on the bridge’s turret.

Managing Director at Hodgson Sayers, John Sayers, said: “The opportunity to work on such a familiar landmark does not occur everyday, one that is steeped in history and is extremely well known not just in the region, but througout the country!

“Colas is leading the project – they are Newcastle City Council’s Framework Contractor for Bridge Maintenance and brought us in to undertake the specialist roofing repairs at the top of the turret. They are refurbishing the entire bridge, ensuring that it’s in peak condition and back to its former glory.

“Our team is led by Contracts Manager, Dean Goyns, who assessed the condition of the turret, including an inspection of the timbers located underneath the lead covering. Repairs were required as the lead had perished – partly due to the weather and the fact that it had not been touched for a number of years.

“Ironically, ‘fog on the Tyne’ has proved a challenge at times, but on a clear day the views are spectacular!”

Andy Lee, Strutures Supervisor at Colas, said: “Its been a pleasure to work on such a fantastic structure and to work alongside the team at Hodgson Sayers.

“For all involved in the project, there is a great sense of pride knowing that every time we pass over the bridge we can see the fruits of our hard work!’