North Bridge set to cast aside its corroded look as £22m repairs begin on iron works
WORK to restore Edinburgh’s famous North Bridge to its former glory is under way on the structure’s cast iron works.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s £22m initiative, which began in summer 2018, involves a series of structural repairs aiming to safeguard the long-term use of the Victorian Category A-listed bridge.
Among the ongoing works are the assessment, repair or replacement of 6,300 steel sections underneath the bridge – many of which have suffered from corrosion – extensive testing of the concrete deck to establish a design for improvements and the removal of redundant utilities.
Specialist contractors are now in the process of restoring the structure’s cast iron works, which have not had any repairs since they were repainted in 1990.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, the city’s transport and environment convener, said: “For most passers-by, the scaffolding surrounding North Bridge is the only indication work is under way, but behind the scenes there is clearly a hive of activity to repair, conserve and replace the historic structures supporting this landmark. Next up, we will see the bridge’s striking facade restored to its former glory.
“As part of our broader plans, the road running over the bridge will eventually benefit from active travel improvements, connecting to our growing network of walking and cyclingfriendly routes.”
To access the underside of the bridge, contractors have been erecting a complex scaffolding structure – the largest since the current concrete deck was constructed in 1933 – with sections being delivered overnight from the beginning of the project to minimise disruption.
During investigations and inspections, a number of hidden “secondary structures” allowing utilities to pass below the road surface have been discovered. As they have fallen into disrepair it is now planned to excavate, remove and replace them.
The North Bridge refurbishment upon completion will encompass:
▪ Structural steelwork repairs.
▪ Grit blasting and repainting of the structural steelwork.
▪ Repairs to the cast iron façades.
▪ Grit blasting and repainting of the cast iron façades.