The ‘Grade A’ listed bridge was built in 1896 to link the Old and New Towns of the city and crosses railway lines outside of Waverley station. Repairs to steelwork and the cast iron façade are proposed, along with replacement of joints across the bridge, as part of a £22M scheme.

 

“This historic bridge is a familiar and much loved focal point in the city centre, and it’s clear that it requires some much needed restoration,” said Edinburgh’s transport and environment convener Lesley Macinnes.

 

Funding of £10M has been approved for the project in the council’s 2018/19 budget and the remaining £12M has already been allocated under its new five year capital investment programme. 

 

Inspections to North Bridge carried out in 2014 identified a number of defects, resulting in the removal of loose material and installation of netting to make the underside of the bridge safe. Assessments confirmed there has been no impact on the bridge’s load carrying capacity.

 

Tomorrow’s meeting of Edinburgh’s transport and environment committee will also hear about the potential for enhancing the public realm on the bridge, including the widening and decluttering of footpaths.

 

Project and cost management and health and safety services on the scheme will be led by Currie & Brown. The company's director Robert Dunlop commented that close liaison with Network Rail will be a key factor on the contract to plan access arrangements. "This will allow the series of repairs to be safely undertaken which include the introduction of permanent access platforms to improve future inspections and maintenance ensuring the longevity of this iconic structure," he said.