Public opinion sought on the future of Teesside Transporter Bridge

The future of the Iconic transporter bridge in Middlesbrough is set to be decided - with the public asked their opinion.

The bridge, which opened in 1911, has been closed for 16 months due to serious safety concerns.

The Council's Executive will be asked to approve £655,000 being spent on urgent repair work before a decision is made on its long-term use.

The Council has already committed £377,000 to make the bridge safe, park the gondola and carry out inspections.

A report to Executive will outline that the cost of the Grade-II listed bridge being open purely as a visitor attraction would be around £4m over a 10-year period.

That model would allow visitors to use the lift offering incredible views of the Middlesbrough area.

The full cost of reopening the bridge to traffic at rush hour could be over £7m across the same 10-year timeframe.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "The Transporter Bridge is part of who we are and we will always preserve and protect this special part of Teesside.

"Exactly what role it will play for the next 100 years is a decision we should all consider together."

The report sets out how a consultation on the bridge's future, taking into account its local significance and the estimated costs of ongoing maintenance, would follow the initial urgent repairs.

The consultation would include detailed discussions with Stockton Council, the Department for Transport, Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Transporter was closed in August 2019 following a safety inspection.