Oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world reopens

The iconic Union Chain Bridge that has connected England and Scotland for 202 years has been re-opened.

The Union Chain Bridge has been restored to its former glory and has now reopened to traffic after its painstaking restoration. The Heritage Fund awarded £3.14m to the restoration, which addressed serious concerns about the condition of the world-famous structure.

Across a period of 30 months every single piece of the structure was removed, checked and restored before being carefully reassembled.

Photo: Northumberland County Council

The restoration work has combined the traditional workmanship used when the bridge was first built with state of the art technical engineering and techniques used in Alpine ski resorts. The innovative ski-lift technology will help to ensure that the bridge will continue to be a standout heritage landmark for years to come.

As well as conserving the historic structure, the project team also developed an inspiring programme of community engagement and education activities, many of which aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposed activity plans had to be adapted and were taken online. A number of downloadable activities were created, including making a model Union Chain Bridge and sharing videos of people’s memories of the bridge. Local families also received science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) kits to encourage a new generation of engineers and bridge enthusiasts.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at the Heritage Fund, said: “It is a ground-breaking feat of engineering and the fact that it remains such a significant landmark, and standout tourist attraction after more than 200 years, is a testament to the UK’s remarkable industrial heritage.”