A project to restore the Union Chain Bridge, which connects Scotland and England, has been recognised by some of the world’s leading engineering organisations.
A restoration project on the 202-year-old structure, which is the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world, was completed in April after every single part of it was removed, assessed, and restored or replaced before being carefully reassembled.
The £10.5 million project, led by Spencer Group, was a joint effort between the Scottish Borders Council and Northumberland County Council, with the crossing spanning the River Tweed and connecting the two.
A delegation of leading engineers from around the world have since visited the bridge to help unveil a special plaque on the Scottish side of the structure, celebrating the bridge as an ‘international historic civil engineering landmark’.
The sponsors of the prestigious award are the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK) (ICE), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Japanese Society of Civil Engineers, together with the Patron of Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, Professor Dr Roland Paxton.
Other engineering landmarks that have previously received the honour include the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, and the Eiffel Tower.
The restoration, which spanned not only two countries but also a global pandemic and the extremes of the British weather, combined ‘state-of-the-art’ technical engineering and techniques used in Alpine ski resorts, with traditional workmanship used when the bridge was first built.
As well as conserving the historic structure, the project team also developed a ‘comprehensive’ programme of community engagement and education activities throughout the course of the project.
Councillor John Greenwell, executive member for roads development and maintenance at Scottish Borders Council, said, “The Union Chain Bridge is a symbolic link between England and Scotland and as the world’s oldest vehicle suspension bridge has a global significance.
“This award is very welcome indeed in recognising its historical significance and the feats of engineering that have made this restoration possible.”
Northumberland County Council leader, Glen Sanderson, added, “It is always a pleasure to return to the bridge and we’re delighted to have guests from around the world at the unveiling of this beautiful plaque, which quite rightly underlines its importance.”
