Renovated Transporter Bridge gondola starting to take shape

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Pictures: Transporter Bridge gondola

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A major revamp of the Tees Transporter Bridge’s distinctive gondola is taking shape.

The facelift forms part of the ongoing £2.6m Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience Project.

The new design will allow users of the renovated gondola to enjoy majestic views up and down the Tees from the landmark bridge, which is the only one of its kind in England and the largest in the world.

The glass panel sidings – in keeping with the original design from 1911 - will allow views up and down the river for the first time in decades.

As well as the extensive renovations to the Bridge’s gondola, the Heritage Lottery Fund-supported improvement works also include the addition of a new glass viewing lift, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Tees Valley 160ft above the River Tees, including wheelchair users and children who have previously not been able to climb the steps to the upper walkway.

The final stage of renovation works will see the Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre updated to enhance the visitor experience and provide additional resources for education groups including new exhibits, heritage trails and interactive activities.

A new state-of-the-art Tees Transporter Trail, drawing on research by a number of experts on Teesside’s industrial and social history, will also be launched, while a Winding House Viewing Area and motor lighting system has already been erected on site providing enhanced views of the Bridge’s motors.

Tees Transporter Bridge education, learning and events officer Tosh Warwick said: “The renovation works will greatly enhance the Tees Transporter Bridge as a heritage attraction and ensure that the landmark serves the people of Teesside for decades to come.

“While the current renovations are on-going we continue to work with local community groups, education partners, businesses and historical organisations on projects celebrating the industrial heritage of both the Bridge and the wider area.”

• A free replacement bus service continues to operate between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence during the renovation works, with the landmark now scheduled to reopen in autumn. The replacement bus timetable can be found at the Bridge’s dedicated website http://ift.tt/1svDSvX