Engineering company Cleveland Bridge has won a contract to renovate a major bridge over Bristol’s floating harbour.
Redcliffe Bridge, which links to the city centre from the Redcliffe Way roundabout, is designed to be raised and lowered so boats can pass underneath but it has not been fully operational since 2015.
The Darlington-based firm, which has an office in Newport, South Wales, has been named as principal contractor for the multi-million pound repair works, which are expected to start later this year and could take around 12 months to complete.
The work will involve refurbishment of the internal steelwork and bridge parapet, waterproofing of the bridge deck, and mechanical and electrical modifications including the removal of the existing gates and machinery and replacing them with rising arm barriers.
Details are still being agreed for the road closure that the work will require, which is likely to be in late summer. Bristol City Council will announce dates and diversion information in the coming months.
Cleveland Bridge will be offering young people in the Bristol area training opportunities through local schools and will also employ at least one young person on site.
Chris Droogan, managing director of Cleveland Bridge, said: “Alongside our proud reputation for building bridges in the UK and around the world we are also gaining a strong track record for rehabilitation projects, which is extending the life of important pieces of transport infrastructure such as the iconic Redcliffe Bridge.
“Securing this contract is testament to the expertise of our bridge rehabilitation team, but also to our standards of excellence and common sense of purpose.
"This includes the delivery of complex and specialist projects as well as reflecting our dedication to supporting the communities in which we work to leave a skills and employment legacy.
“We hope that our involvement in this project will help to stimulate interest in STEM-related industries among local young people and lay the foundations for fulfilling career paths working on exciting projects like the renovations of Redcliffe Bridge.”
Redcliffe Bridge was built in 1942 and underwent a major electrical and control system refit in 1996.
Cleveland Bridge was founded in 1877 and has been involved in the creation of iconic world landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Part of the Al Rushaid Group, the company produces structural steel components in sites across the world, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
