A massive engineering project to return an iconic bridge to its rightful place crossing the River Tweed between England and Scotland has got under way.
Work is now under way to re-erect the main suspension chains of the Union Chain Bridge near Berwick, following a lengthy process to dismantle the crossing point in order to restore it to its former glory.
The £10.5 million scheme has seen the 201-year-old bridge's components repaired, refurbished, and replaced after the work got underway in October 2020.
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The bridge was built in 1820 by Captain Samuel Brown and is the oldest operational chain suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicles.
The ambitious project was put together by Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and community group Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, following serious concerns about the condition of the world-famous structure.
However, putting the chains back up is painstaking work - there are a total of one and a quarter miles of steel, and the first chain took three days to haul out.
The coming weeks will see the remaining 11 chains erected, before work starts to re-install the deck hangers.
Only then will engineers be able to start rebuilding the bridge. It is anticipated that the reconstruction and restoration works will continue for several months, with the famous bridge reopening for use in late Spring 2022.
Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Local Services John Riddle said: “This is yet another milestone and a very welcome one – to finally see this famous structure start to be put back together.
“We’ve worked hard to retain as many of the original parts as is possible while also ensuring the bridge is able to fulfill its main purpose and everyone involved with the project is delighted to see the bridge once again taking shape.”
Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Transport, said: “It is fantastic to see the project reach this stage and the bridge be pieced back to together.
“The restoration of the Union Chain Bridge is a hugely important project, reinstating a key crossing point between the Scottish Borders and Northumberland and protecting this historic structure for many, many years to come.”
Rowan Brown, Chief Executive of Museums Northumberland, added: “'It's wonderful to see the return of this internationally-renowned engineering monument.
“We're grateful to our partners for their agility and commitment, and wish to encourage audiences at home and abroad to marvel at their progress by watching our drone updates online.”
Both councils have committed funding of £5.7 million between them to fund the scheme, while other fundraising activities were organised by Friends of the Union Chain Bridge.
The project also received £3.14 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in September 2019.
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