Bridge restoration award dedicated to campaigners

An award for the restoration of a 203-year-old wrought iron suspension bridge has been dedicated to campaigners.

The Union Chain Bridge, which connects Northumberland and Berwickshire across the River Tweed, was completely dismantled and rebuilt by contractors Spencer Bridge Engineering last year.

The Hull-based company handed the Historic Bridge Project of the Year Award to the Friends of Union Chain Bridge, which campaigned for the work and helped secure funding.

Martha Andrews, chairman of the campaign group, said: "The team left us with a beautiful bridge, true to its history and heritage, that will link England and Scotland for centuries to come."

Designed and built by Royal Navy officer and bridge design pioneer, Capt Samuel Brown, the crossing opened in 1820.

It was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened and is now the world’s oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic.

Spencer Bridge Engineering, which won the prize at the New Civil Engineer Bridges Awards 2024, was appointed by Northumberland County Council to carry out the refurbishment of the structure.

Joe DiMauro, engineering director at the firm, said: "It's fitting that the Friends now have the award as a tribute to the successful restoration of the bridge that they campaigned so long for."

A key element of the project was to ensure all work was in keeping with the heritage and historical significance of the bridge and that structural elements were refurbished rather than replaced, where possible.

The existing masonry towers were refurbished using stone from the same quarry that was originally used.

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