£1.5m project to reinforce bridge

The bridge was opened in 1906

Work to reinforce one of the River Tyne's famous bridges has begun.

Network Rail is spending £1.5m on the project to strengthen approach arches to the King Edward Bridge, which links Newcastle and Gateshead.

The work will focus on 10 masonry arches on the approach to the Grade II Listed bridge on the Newcastle side of the river.

Tenants with businesses in the area are being relocated during the works, which should be completed by summer 2007.

'Preserving for future'

The project will involve installing new concrete linings to reinforce the arches, so prolonging the life of the bridge, which carried trains on the East Coast main Line.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "As custodian of the railway infrastructure, Network Rail is responsible for the maintenance of many important structures.

"We will ensure that all works on King Edward Bridge are in keeping with the original structure while at the same time preserving it for future generations."

No rail services are expected to be affected by the works.

The bridge was built for the North Eastern Railway Company (NER) and opened in July 1906 by King Edward VII. However, it was brought into regular use until three months later.