'It’s a symbolic link between England and Scotland which has now been protected for many generations to come'
Union Chain Bridge reopens following multi-million pound restoration project
It's believed to be the oldest vehicle suspension bridge still in operation anywhere in the world, and provides a vital link between Scotland and England.
The Union Chain Bridge, which dates from 1820 and crosses the River Tweed four miles upstream of Berwick-upon-Tweed, was dismantled in October 2020 as part of a £10.5 million restoration project.
The ambitious funding bid was put together by Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and community group Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, following serious concerns about the long-term future of the world-famous structure.
Every single piece of the 137 metre structure was removed, checked and restored or replaced before being carefully reassembled.
And, following a short ceremony earlier this afternoon (Monday), it has reopened to the public.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance at Scottish Borders Council, said: “Seeing the Union Chain Bridge link now re-established is an extremely pleasing moment for everyone involved across this project.
“Years of hard work has gone into making the restoration possible from the Friends group which has long campaigned for the bridge’s preservation, to all the funders, and the project team and skilled workers who have undertaken the careful works to dismantle, repair and reinstate this unique crossing.
“It’s a symbolic link between England and Scotland which has now been protected for many generations to come and I am sure all those involved will feel an incredible sense of pride that this day has come.”
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The restoration, which spanned not only two countries but also a global pandemic and the extremes of the British weather, combined state of the art technical engineering and techniques used in Alpine ski resorts, with traditional workmanship used when the bridge was first built.
And as well as conserving the historic structure - which links Horncliffe in Northumberland with Fishwick in the Borders - the project team also developed a comprehensive programme of community engagement and education activities throughout the course of the project.
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Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “This is a fabulous moment for everyone involved with this hugely technical project – to finally see this famous structure in all its glory as it was over 200 years ago.
“This bridge stands as a testament to partnership working and shows what can be achieved when everyone is pulling in the same direction. It’s a glorious structure and I’m sure will be a huge draw to tourists as well as providing a much-needed day to day connection for local communities on both sides of the border.”
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The Union Chain Bridge was built by retired naval captain Samuel Brown and completed in 1820. It cost about £7,700 to construct and replaced a "perilous ford" further downstream.
Although work on Thomas Telford's Menai Bridge in Wales started before it, the Union Bridge was completed first, making it the longest iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened.
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Robbie Hunter from Friends of the Union Chain Bridge said: “It is a fabulous achievement to see the Union Chain Bridge restored in all its glory in what has been a very challenging project both technically but also carrying out the restoration during Covid pandemic.
“We are extremely grateful to all the project partners, contractors, funders and supporters who have made this project an incredible success. Thanks to the restoration this engineering heritage icon will continue to serve the communities for another 200 years and act as a tremendous catalyst for inspiring the engineers of the future.
“The restoration legacy will last for many years and it has been a fascinating privilege to be part of it.”
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