Repairs close bridge for second summer

The Grade II listed structure no longer lifts but acts as a road bridge in its permanently down position

A road bridge spanning the River Tees is to close for the second summer in a row for major maintenance works.

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.

Work on the Grade II listed structure is set to begin on 7 July, and last until late summer or early autumn.

A stretch of the A1032 from Newport Roundabout to the Portrack Interchange will be closed to traffic, though there will be pedestrian and cyclist access.

The maintenance will include bearing and top plates replacements and installation of Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) for safety and ballast support.

Councillor Paul Rowling, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's cabinet member for resources and transport, said the age of the iconic structure meant it required regular maintenance.

"These are a continuation of activities that began in summer 2024," he said.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience the closure will cause for residents in our borough and in Middlesbrough."