Final phase of Berwick bridge works to take place in 2025

04 Dec 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

The final phase of restoration works on Berwick’s oldest bridge are to take place in the New Year. 

Works started on Berwick Old Bridge, a Scheduled and Grade 1 Listed structure, earlier this year so complex masonry repairs to the elevations and arch barrels could be carried out.  

The renovation on the iconic crossing needed Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England to allow the works to begin. 

Teams of engineers have been working throughout the year on the restoration, which was paused briefly for the bridge’s 400th anniversary celebrations back in August. 

Now due to the increased scope of works needed, which only became clear once teams had close-up access underneath the bridge, and the fact the lime mortar used can only be applied when the temperature is above 5 degrees C, the plan is to complete works from the scaffolding before removing it in the New Year.  

This will enable the bridge to be reopened to both traffic and pedestrians to minimise disruption until the weather conditions improve in the spring, when the final phase of the restoration activity will be completed. 

Teams plan to return to the site in late spring to resume the restoration works, or sooner if the weather conditions permit, to complete the remaining work under the bridge. During this final phase of activity it will be necessary to close the bridge to vehicles, but pedestrian access across the bridge will be maintained while the work is ongoing.  

While timings are still to be confirmed, the works are expected to be completed before the summer holidays. 

County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “The anniversary celebrations earlier this year were a great credit to the individuals who organised the events which reflected the importance of this wonderful bridge to the town and to our county.  

“Because it is so old and precious we have needed to be so careful with the complex work we are doing and this takes time which is why we are working to this plan.  

“Doing the work this way will be less disruptive and also provide better value for money, allowing us to finish the works in better weather and ensuring we achieve the highest quality restoration of this historic structure. 

“As always we will endeavour to keep disruption and restrictions to a minimum and thank locals for their continued understanding while we carry out this much needed work.”