Repairs for Berwick bridge starting ahead of 400th anniversary

19 Jan 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Repair works on Berwick’s oldest bridge are getting underway – ahead of its 400th anniversary later this year. 

Works will start on Berwick Old Bridge, a Scheduled and Grade 1 structure from January 25th. It will be closed to vehicles for several months so masonry repairs to the elevations and arch barrels can be carried out. 

The renovation can now start after the County Council secured Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England to allow the works to begin.  

The site compound will be set up, scaffold erected then masonry repairs started, with teams working their way along the bridge. 

County Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Improving Our Roads, said: “We’re pleased to be starting this work on Berwick Old Bridge - an iconic crossing of the Tweed which celebrates its 400th anniversary later this year. 

 “While the road will be closed to vehicles for the duration of the work, access over the bridge will be maintained for pedestrians - although there may be some short-term restrictions while the scaffold is erected and repositioned.  

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

Berwick North County Councillor Catherine Seymour said: “The community are very keen to have this restoration work completed on our historic Berwick Bridge that is most timely for its 400 years since built and has been a real workhorse with all traffic.   

"It is without doubt the most interesting structure of its kind and date in Great Britain, from its ancient past and historical importance, picturesque position and extreme beauty from all views."

Berwick East County Councillor Georgina Hill said: “I am sure that residents will be pleased to hear that phase 2 and 3, originally scheduled to take place separately, will now be done at the same time so the refurbishment of this bridge will be completed after these works.”