Darlington’s Cleveland Bridge UK secures contract to overhaul Bristol crossing

An historic bridge builder has secured a contract to work on a South West city’s eye-catching river crossing.

Cleveland Bridge UK is refurbishing Bristol’s Redcliffe Bridge.

Part of the city’s floating harbour, the crossing was built in 1942, and Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge is set to deliver a raft of improvements that will include repairs to internal steelwork and the bridge’s parapet.

The company will also water-proof the crossing’s deck and replace existing gates and machinery with rising arm barriers.

Cleveland Bridge is being supported by design house Jacobs on the contract, with work expected to start later this year.

Hailing the reputation of the firm’s rehabilitation team, which has supported many projects to extend the life of bridges worldwide, managing director Chris Droogan said the assignment reflects the company’s “standards of excellence”.

He 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 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.”

Chris added that alongside its expertise in bridge rehabilitation, the business also secured the project on account of its social responsibility and commitment to skills development.

In line with current coronavirus restrictions and its COVID-19-safe measures, the business will support young people from the Bristol area by providing training opportunities through local schools and will employ at least one young person on site.

Since its inception, Cleveland Bridge has built some of the world’s most iconic structures.

The group was involved in erecting the Victoria Falls Bridge and in 1911 designed Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge.

It has also supplied bridges for the widening of the A1 in North Yorkshire, and jungle and rural crossings in Sri Lanka.