Thursday 2 April marked two years since work began on the Tyne Bridge, signalling the halfway stage of the four-year restoration.

Over the past 24 months, the Grade II* listed crossing has been undergoing a major refurbishment led by Esh Construction on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead councils, with large sections enclosed in scaffolding as activity intensified.

Completed works include the under-arches beside the Newcastle and Gateshead towers, the underdeck spanning the river between the towers, structural repairs to the hangers within the footways, and, most recently, the west-side parapet and curved screen plates.

Each finished steel section has been grit blasted to remove 11 historic paint layers, followed by steel repairs and a specialist three-coat paint system designed to protect the structure for around 30 years before the next repaint. The final coat restores the bridge’s distinctive Hollybush Green.

Because of the bridge's Grade II* status, the colour specification is British Standard 4800 14C39, known as 'Hollybush', selected as the closest possible match to the original. The paint system was chosen for its durability, UV resistance, protective and colour-retention qualities, and its ability to withstand the harsh conditions above a tidal river and the winds of the Tyne Valley gorge.

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Activity has now switched to the east-side parapets and curved screen plates, where blasting, repairs and repainting are under way and expected to continue into the autumn.

Pamela Holmes, Assistant Director for Transport at Newcastle City Council said: "We're making great progress on site as we restore an icon to its former glory.

"It's been a hugely challenging and complex project due to the sheer size of the bridge, its age and Grade II* listed status, protecting the kittiwake colony from disturbance, the massive scope of work required as well as keeping the bridge open to traffic and pedestrians throughout the four-year programme.

"Everyone involved in the project is hugely passionate and proud to be preserving this iconic landmark for future generations."

Stephen McClean, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, shared some key facts on work completed so far, he said: "Over the past two years, we’ve made strong progress with the restoration, despite uncovering additional repairs. So far, we’ve completed 1,546 repairs, from minor over-plating due to loss of section up to major steel section replacements requiring complex temporary works.

"We've also replaced 3,926 rivets – some of which have been auctioned to raise funds for local charities – and applied more than 7,200 litres of paint.

"As a local contractor, we're proud to be delivering this iconic regional project and look forward to works progressing onto the main arch in 2027."

Looking ahead, scaffolding will be installed on the bridge deck in autumn 2026 to form a protection deck above the carriageway, paving the way for work on the main arch in 2027.