In our last update, we reported that the refurbishment works were scheduled to move to the South side of the bridge in mid-March. Although that has not yet happened, we have been taking advantage of the closure to make some further improvements to the footways. Behind the scenes, our contractors have been testing out a new asphalt coating that will be applied to the footway to make a neat and consistent surface for pedestrians. We’ve also been looking at the hatches above the articulation spans (the metal plate you step on as you enter and exit the footway) to improve the non-slip coatings as these have worn away in recent years. We are also refurbishing the benches that are in place at the base of each tower, so while you’ll still be able to enjoy the historic bridge, it will feel almost as good as new!
With all the safety mesh back in place along the North footway, the team have been able to install the LED uplighting that will illuminate the Victorian parapet girders. The lighting units have been designed to be small and subtle, so they will be almost invisible to visitors during the day, allowing everyone to enjoy the original ironwork without obstruction.You may have seen workers underneath the bridge on the mobile gantry as this job has progressed. Works on fitting the lighting to the chains and towers has also continued, and our tower uplighters (which replace the circular lights embedded in the paving) are all now in place.
The most important job has been to complete the snagging on the painting works, and the team have been working their way along the bridge looking for any ‘touchpoints’ (parts of the chains that could not be accessed when scaffolding was in place) to add the final coats of paint to them. To complete painting on the lowest part of the chains in the middle of the bridge, a new freestanding scaffolding platform is being erected, with some painting taking place from the roadway, using a mobile platform.
Finally as the works compound has now been in place for a year, the painting crew have been giving it a spring clean to ensure it looks tidy and presentable after the battering it received during the Spring storms. Hopefully we now have all of those strong winds out of the way and we will see the full team busy on the bridge making the most of the warm, dry weather!