Opinions sought on replica transporter bridge

The Grade II listed structure opened in 1911 and shut in 2019 after its condition deteriorated

Views are being sought on plans to build a replica of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge or to repair the original structure.

The Grade II listed structure opened in 1911 and was one of only six operational transporters left in the world before it was closed in 2019 over safety concerns.

In 2024, a report found the bridge had deteriorated to such an extent that it presented a risk to the public, with an investigation into its structural stability ongoing.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said repairing the bridge would come at "significant cost - like in the high tens of millions of pounds" while building a replica would be "much less".

Middlesbrough Council manages the bridge, which spans the River Tees, in an agreement with Stockton Council.

It was announced in June that £30m in government funding would be allocated for repairs to the structure.

Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge spans the River Tees

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, Houchen said: "If we built a brand new replica of the transporter bridge that would last another 100 years and we took that other Transporter Bridge away, would people be comfortable with that?"

"Or is it more important that we keep the steel and structure that was there?", he added.

• BBC Sounds: Should the Transporter Bridge be replaced with a replica?

"Ultimately it should be a decision for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

"We will be running a process to ask the public what their views are."

Houchen also said he was "working up the options" before launching a public consultation.