The Tees Transporter Bridge, located in Middlesbrough in Northern England, opened in 1911. It is the longest cantilever bridge and longest working transporter bridge in the world.

When functional, it uses a travelling gondola suspended from the bridge to carry 200 people or nine cars across the river in 90 seconds. In 2019, the bridge was closed due to safety concerns. Urgent repair works were carried out, including the replacement of missing or damaged sections of steel on the upper spans and the drilling and bolting of other areas following the failure of some welded sections. Further assessments indicated that in addition to the defects identified, strengthening works were also required on the upper spans of the bridge.

In 2022, Atkins was awarded the full structural inspection and assessment of the Tee Transporter Bridge. BG&E was engaged by Atkins to conduct an independent Category Three Check – Structural and Mechanical Assessment.

The scope of services includes the assessment of the bridge and mechanical components for the main bridge (including the winch systems, gondola and cables), and the access span.

The outcome of the structural inspection and assessment will inform what further works are required for the bridge and whether it is feasible to bring the bridge back to full operational capacity.