The works on the famous, world first, two-tiered High Level Bridge in Tyneside has been completed.

Costing £5.2m Network Rail engineers have spent the best part of the year strengthening the underside of the structure, which connects Gateshead with Newcastle.

Robert Stephenson designed the grade I listed bridge. It was constructed between 1845 and 1849. Upon completion, it was the first double deck bridge in the world that could carry both railway and road vehicles.

Works on the bridge did not affect train services that cross the structure, with the majority of the work being carried out under the road deck using a complex system of scaffolding which had to be hung off the bridge while ensuring it didn’t cause damage to the ironwork.

The 175-year-old bridge requires consistent upkeep, and the recent comprehensive refurbishment undertaken by Network Rail and contractor AmcoGiffen included: grit blasting and repainting of structural beams to prevent corrosion, structural repairs at road and pedestrian levels, waterproofing the road deck, and improving drainage channels to safeguard the refurbished beams below.

The project involved:

• 3,300 litres of paint (including primer, mid coat, and topcoat)
• Painting of 283 structural beams across the bridge’s six spans
• Repair, waterproofing, and resurfacing of 2.6km of road drainage
• Installation of 460 tonnes of scaffolding to create a temporary deck for painting the underside of the road deck

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

“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.”

Sean Ellerby, Network Rail scheme project manager

Throughout the project, Network Rail has collaborated closely with Gateshead Council, which is in charge of maintaining the pedestrian pathways and carriageway, as well as coordinating the necessary road closures for the work to proceed.

“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.”

Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council

Detailed information on the history and timeline of High Level Bridge can be found at: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/iconic-infrastructure/the-history-of-the-high-level-bridge-newcastle/