The Union Chain Bridge. Work is entering its final stages

Bridge restoration final stages continue

Handrails and decking are now being installed as the Union Chain Bridge connecting England and Scotland nears completion.
 
Restoration of the 202-year-old structure, the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world, got underway in October 2020 and teams are now putting the finishing touches in place. 
 
Handrails and the deck running surface are being re-instated before some final painting work takes place on a number of components, with the final activities being the removal of all temporary access arrangements, construction of a retaining wall on the Scottish approach and new parking laybys on both the English and Scottish approach roads to the bridge.  
 
The painting work is weather-dependent as surfaces need to be dry for the paint to be applied. 
 
As soon as possible the bridge will be reopened to pedestrians, cyclists and cars, with a more formal opening ceremony being held shortly afterwards and a separate celebration event also being planned early next year to showcase the whole project, covering both the refurbishment works and all of the community engagement and education activities. 
 
Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Local Services John Riddle said: “We've come so far in this amazing project which has brought numerous engineering challenges and the teams remain fully focused on completion. 
 
“It’s vital that every single element is right before we open, so we appreciate everyone’s patience in this final phase and the painting that needs to be done before the winter weather closes in.” 
 
Councillor John Greenwell, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Roads Development and Maintenance, said: “Two years on from work starting on the careful refurbishment of this historic structure we are now reaching the final stages and the reinstatement of this vital link between communities in Berwickshire and Northumberland. 
 
“Once these works are complete, vehicles will be able to cross the Union Chain Bridge again and the hard work of all the teams involved, and all those that funded and fundraised to make this project possible, can be properly celebrated.” 
 
The structure which is a key transport link between Scotland and England and received £3.14million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in September 2019.   
 
The ambitious funding bid 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.  
 
As well as conserving the historic structure, the project team has also developed a comprehensive programme of community engagement and education activities.   
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