Repainted
by people all over the world. A bridge of this stature and importance requires regular safety checks, repairs, preservation and upkeep.
“This is an ongoing maintenance programme which is delivered in partnership between Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
“We are currently awaiting acknowledgement from the Government to know when bids will be accepted for the Maintenance Challenge Fund.
“This scheme is being targeted for the bridge’s 2018 to 2021 maintenance programme, which includes the sizable task of repainting the structure.”
This means that the peeling paintwork won’t be touched up ahead of the Great Exhibition of the North, which is expected to bring three million visitors to the region. Lib Dem councillor Greg Stone said he was disappointed that the bridge won’t be repainted in time for the event.
He said: “The Lib Dem opposition recently made inquiries about whether the Tyne Bridge will be repainted in time for the Great Exhibition.
“Given the iconic status of the Tyne Bridge, and its position at the centre of the Great Exhibition events, we are disappointed that there will not be a repaint in time for the occasion.
“We hope this ‘grand old lady’ will get a new coat for her 90th birthday in October.”
It is estimated it will take 10,000 to 15,000 litres of paint to cover the entire structure.
In 1976, it cost around £66,000 to repaint the bridge, but it cost 10 times that in 1985.