Tower Bridge, built in 1894, is an iconic London landmark celebrated in everything from Hollywood films to tourist brochures.

Spanning the River Thames, it is also a vital part of the capital's life and it is now undergoing a £4 million restoration project.

Hempel UK is supplying the protective coating for this major undertaking and a total of 22,000 litres of paint will be applied. The bridge will retain its traditional blue and white colours dating back to 1894, however the most modern high performance paint systems designed to last a quarter of a century will be applied.

The restoration is expected to take up to four years, but during that time it is going to be business as usual for the grand river crossing which is used by 40,000 motorists and pedestrians every day. The work will be done in sections so as not disrupt road or river traffic too much and a quarter of the bridge will be scaffolded and shrouded at a time while the restoration takes place.

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For the restoration of Tower Bridge, some 1,500 tonnes of abrasive material will be applied to blast back to the original metal framework before the new paint goes on. To protect the river and the environment sections will be enclosed so all the debris removed can be collected and disposed off safely. During its 25 year life span the coating system will have a touch-up after 12 years and a variety of coatings will be used on different areas and sub-structures.

The main materials used will be Shopprimer E 15280, HEMPADUR MASTIC 45880 and HEMPATHANE HS 55810. Shopprimer E 15280 is a two-component epoxy polyamide primer containing zinc phosphate rust-inhibiting pigments. HEMPADUR MASTIC 45880 is a two-component high-solids and high-build epoxy paint which forms an extremely durable coating. HEMPATHANE HS 55810 is a low VOC two-component polyurethane topcoat that has very good gloss and colour retention to ensure that the bridge will look its best when the work is done.

The industrial painting contractor carrying out this prestigious restoration is Pyeroy Ltd. and the company was awarded the project by the City Bridge Trust. This ancient trust charitable dates back to 1097 and maintains all five city bridges (London, Tower, Southwark, Blackfriars and Millennium Bridges) at no cost to the taxpayer. Hempel UK is also supplying Pyeroy with the 13,000 litres of paint being used for the £2.5 million facelift of Southwark Bridge which is expected to take three years.

More information on the renovation projects can be found at www.thetowerbridge.info/ www.southwarkbridge.co.uk/

(CD/KMcA)