Transporter Bridge decision 'needed soon'

Historian Dave Allan fears it might be too late to save Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge

Politicians on Teesside have been told to be brave and make a decision on the future of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge.

The iconic structure has been closed since 2019 and, in 2024, engineers said it was at risk of "catastrophic collapse", with the cost of repairs estimated at more than £60m.

Author and historian Dave Allan, who has written a history of the bridge, said it may already be too late save it.

He urged local leaders not to "kick the can down the road" and to make a decision as soon as possible.

"The leaders right now who are responsible for it can rightly say it isn't their fault that it is in this state, because they weren't in charge during all the years of deterioration," he said.

"But it's also quite easy to kick the can down the road, not make a decision and leave it for the next lot."

Officially opened in October 1911, the Transporter Bridge was designed using a moving gondola platform to let passengers and vehicles cross the Tees between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence, while continuing to allow boats to sail up and down the river.

In January 2024, a structural study by engineering and consulting firm Atkins categorised the bridge as an "immediate risk structure".

The firm estimated the cost of bringing it back into use would be £67m.

The bridge is a part of Teesside's history reflected in programmes such as 1980s BBC drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet

Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen told BBC Radio Tees in September that building a replica bridge could cost significantly less, at £10-£20m.

However, Middlesbrough Labour MP Andy McDonald rejected this suggestion and said no price was too high to preserve the original.

"Whatever it takes, this is part of the Teesside identity," he said.

"It is the icon and people have that visceral identification with it, it's a symbol of home to many, many people."

Mr Allan said he feared the opportunity to preserve the original structure might already have passed.

"Let's be honest, it isn't going to come back into use," he said. "So are we going to be able to find the money to keep it is a heritage monument?

"Sadly, I think, the answer might be that there is no saving it now - and that is heartbreaking."

The Transporter Bridge is jointly owned by Middlesbrough and Stockton local authorities, with Middlesbrough Council taking responsibility for managing it.

In a statement in August, it said designs to repair the bridge were being developed, but funding would be required to carry out the work.