Work to repaint famous bridge

The bridge is painted every eight years using the same blue colour

A major project to repaint one of Teesside's most distinctive landmarks is under way.

The makeover for Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge is costing £535,000 and is expected to take 16 weeks.

The work is being carried out by TI Protective Coating, whose staff are getting in position by abseiling, which means there is very little scaffolding being used.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said the bridge is painted every eight years to keep it in good condition with the same blue colour being applied again.

Listed building

The bridge will stay open while most of the work is carried out but it will need to be closed for three weeks.

The spokesman said no exact date had yet been decided for the closure.

The 92-year-old bridge opened in 1911 and cost nearly £90,000 to build.

In 1993 the bridge was awarded the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' highest honour, The Heritage Plaque, for engineering excellence.

It was granted Grade II Listed Building status in 1985.