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Tees Transporter Bridge

The Tees Transporter Bridge between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence opened in 1911.

It supports a gondola which is intended to carry vehicles and pedestrians across the river Tees.

The bridge has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns

Since its closure, several inspections and a full structural assessment have taken place to determine the condition and strength of the bridge.

Due to its age and the historic way in which it was engineered, the required inspections and structural assessment are extremely technical in nature.

The process of correctly identifying issues and determining how they could be resolved is therefore complex and time-consuming.

In parallel with this work, the bridge is being monitored to provide additional safety assurance.

Responsibility for the bridge is shared between Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees Borough councils, with Middlesbrough Council acting as the operational lead, including maintenance requirements.

In January 2024, the Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet approved a report that pledged £30m towards bringing the bridge back into operation.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “In January we received a draft report following a major structural assessment of the Transporter Bridge.

“We expect to receive the final version in the near future. This report, based on several time-consuming and complex inspections, will inform the process for what happens next.

“Once final decisions are made on what repairs will take place and how they will be funded, a programme of work lasting a number of years will be necessary.

“As part of ongoing monitoring of the bridge, we have introduced digital image surveillance which will allow for further assessments of its safety during high winds.

“We have met with Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police and PD Ports to provide them information on the investigation works to date and will keep all relevant partners updated.

“A full summary of options, potential costs and the safety of the bridge will be prepared for Middlesbrough Council’s Executive in due course.”

Page updated: 19 February 2024.

Visitor centre

The Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 4pm.

(Please note - 19th to 23rd June opening hours will be 10.30am to 2pm)

Hot and cold drinks and cold snacks are available. There is also a gift shop.

Members of the team are on hand to share details about the heritage of the bridge and visitors can also enjoy views from a 360 degree camera.

This is just one of the videos that you can view in our re-opened visitor centre: