Council boss apologises for bridge work disruption
BBCA council boss has apologised for disruption due to maintenance work on a road bridge spanning a river.
Newport Bridge, which opened in 1934, is thought to be the first vertical lift bridge in Britain and the largest and heaviest of its type in the world.
The bridge, over the River Tees, closed on 7 July causing issues for motorists commuting into Stockton and Middlesbrough.
Councillor Paul Rowling, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's cabinet member for resources and transport, said work on the "iconic structure was necessary" and it was due to reopen on 31 August.
He said: "These are a continuation of the works from last summer.
"The Newport bridge is 90 years old now, it's an iconic structure for many people in Teesside and it needs regular maintenance.
"Some years ago the bridge used to go up and down, that's no longer the case."
Rowling said parts of the bridge needed to be replaced to ensure it was "fit for purpose".
Last year the closure caused issues for some drivers who had their journeys extended by up to an hour.
"I want to apologise for any delays but please bear with us because it is really necessary work.
"We know that there are limited crossings across the river and it is important that they are fit for purpose," Rowling said.
The maintenance will include bearing and top plates replacements as well as the installation of Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) for safety and ballast support.