EDINBURGH’S North Bridge is to reopen to two-way traffic following the completion of essential works on its concrete deck.
The crossing has been closed to northbound traffic since November 2021 to allow for the specialist work, with the concrete deck last being replaced in the 1930s.
Works, led by Balfour Beatty, came after investigations revealed the poor condition of concrete within the central part of the deck. Over the last 15 months, contractors have replaced the deck’s reinforced concrete and installed a waterproofing system to protect the concrete and stop surface water passing into the structural steelwork below.
Elsewhere on the bridge, ‘complex’ restoration works are continuing – which include structural steelwork repairs, which are largely complete. More recent phases have seen 80,000 new bolts installed and strengthening and repairs to almost 650 parts of the steelwork.
Contractors have also started grit blasting and painting the bridge’s iconic façade, an 18-month process which signals the beginning of works finishing on the bridge. As well as removing existing coatings and surface corrosion through grit blasting, specialists have begun the ‘intricate’ task of repainting the Victorian façade for the first time since 1990, using a combination of spray paint and hand painting with brushes.
Two-way running traffic is set to return on April 21, with the footpath on the west side of the bridge remaining closed for the time being, the City of Edinburgh Council said.
Rory McFadden, Balfour Beatty project director, said, “The reopening of the North Bridge to traffic marks a momentous milestone, culminating months of hard work and tenacity from our dedicated team. I would like to thank the local community in Edinburgh for their co-operation and patience during these essential works, which once complete, will ensure that this iconic structure remains for generations to come.”
Transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, councillor Scott Arthur, added, “The reopening of North Bridge to two-way traffic will be great news to many and I’d like to thank all those who live in and travel through the area for their patience while this essential work was carried out. In particular, I would like to thank the local business community and bus passengers for their patience.
“So much of what happens in the North Bridge Refurbishment Project goes unseen, but it’s a huge, complex scheme involving intricate, specialist skills and significant repairs to decades-old infrastructure.
“The partial closure of the bridge to traffic has allowed the team to carry out crucial work to restore and reinforce the deck for future generations. I look forward to seeing the project unfold further as the bridge’s façade is revived to its former glory.
“North Bridge was constructed by Sir William Arrol after he completed both the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, and this work should ensure it maintains the same iconic status.”
