Transporter Bridge set for long-awaited reopening following £4m renovations

The long-awaited reopening of Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge is set to happen on Monday.

The landmark, which has undergone £2.6m renovations, will be back in action on Monday morning, Middlesbrough Council has said.

And for the first four weeks, crossings for drivers and foot passengers will be free of charge.

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It will also have new opening hours of 7.15am - noon and 1pm - 6.15pm Monday to Friday and 1pm to 3pm on Saturday.

After the free travel period, the cost of crossing the Bridge will be 60p each way for pedestrians and cyclists, with a journey costing £1.30 each way for single-bay motor vehicles.

The bridge - which celebrated its 100th birthday in October 2011 - has been closed since August 2013 to overhaul and upgrade the bridge and install a new glass viewing lift and visitor centre.

The council said the renovated gondola has now been enhanced and work will continue on the completion of the lift and visitor centre.

The closure was originally planned as an eight-month closure but during the initial closure period, additional preparation work was identified.

And the Gazette reported previously how the costs for the project had spiralled from a planned £3.1m to £4m.

The £2.6m was funded from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the council says the shortfall of £897,580 is proposed to be covered from the unallocated Local Transport Plan grant.

Work stalled again over the Christmas period after subcontractors SBV Fabrications went into administration.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “With a smart new coat of paint and the new gondola in place, we were keen to allow bridge users to start using it again as soon as possible.

“These enhancements will further cement the Transporter’s place as a leading heritage, education and tourism destination of regional and national importance.

“I would also like to place on record my thanks to users of the Transporter for their patience and understanding during the works, and we look forward to welcoming them back.”