Middlesbrough's iconic bridge to reopen on Monday

After long delays, Middlesbrough's iconic Transporter Bridge will finally be back in action next week following the near-completion of the biggest overhaul in its 103-year history.

The re-opening on Monday, March 9th, comes after renovation works to thebridge’s gondola as part of the £2.6m Heritage Lottery Fund supported project.

And for the first four weeks crossings for drivers and foot passengers will be free of charge.

After that, the cost of crossing the Bridge will be 60p each way for pedestrians and cyclists, with a journey costing £1.30 each way for single-bay motor vehicles.

Work will continue on the completion of the Transporter’s new lift, visitor centre improvements and interpretation and heritage trail.

It is anticipated that the project will be completed by May.

The Transporter Bridge wa originally scheduled to open almost a year ago.

It closed in August 2013 for what was scheduled to be an eight-month refurbishment.

However, the scheme suffered several problems, one of which involved the subcontractor SBV Fabrications entering administration in late December last year.