Tees Transporter Bridge
The Tees Transporter Bridge connects Middlesbrough to Port Clarence; using a travelling gondola, suspended from the bridge, it can carry 9 cars across the river in 90 seconds and is the longest cantilever bridge remaining in the world. One of only two functioning Transporter Bridges left in the UK; the other, the Newport Transporter was fully refurbished by Taziker in 2010.
This Grade II listed bridge first opened to the public over 100 years ago and operates every 15 minutes for 18 hours a day. For this reason, it is imperative that it is regularly maintained and refurbished.
A team of up to 40 Industrial Painters used IRATA rope access techniques to ensure that the structure was free from corrosion and protected using a three coat, 10,000 litre protective paint system, finished with the bridge’s iconic Light Blue colour.
Added Value
In addition Taziker undertook the refurbishment of the approach ramps and steelwork repairs to areas of corrosion upon the main structure. New steel was prepared and painted at our facility in Bolton before being installed onsite by rope access trained engineers.
Our works were part of a larger refurbishment scheme, including the installation of a Glass Elevator to the Bridge’s upper walkway; other improvements include a newly renovated gondola, state-of-the-art visitor resources and the construction of a Winding House Viewing Area.
Jun 2013 - Sep 2014
The scope of the works included:
- IRATA Rope Access to access the 49m high structure without the use of costly Scaffolding
- Surface Preparation to an ST3 standard followed by a three coat 10,000 litre Protective Paint system
- Steelwork Fabrication & Repairs; painted off site and installed off ropes by our engineers to the upper and lower box girders and cross bracings
- UHP Water Jetting to the legs of structure, phasing the work with the tides to gain access and paint the surfaces before the waters return
