Deritend completes major project on iconic Tees Transporter Bridge09 June 2010

An icon of British engineering, the Tees Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough, has been revitalised with help from maintenance, service and repair group Deritend.

Deritend has spent the last three weeks carrying out a series of major refurbishment projects on the bridge's electric motors to ensure that the landmark – built in 1910 by Sir William Arrol and Co of Glasgow to replace an earlier steam ferry – is in full working order for its centenary celebrations next year.

Although the project has seen the original electric motors on the bridge replaced with new machinery, Deritend operations manager Mark Westwood says the team treated the project with the "recognition and respect" needed when working on a heritage site.

"Our team has designed a bespoke solution that has retained the engineering while ensuring that the bridge will be working well for decades to come," says Westwood. "I am very proud that this has been recognised by Middlesbrough Council... It is rare that we get to work as engineers on projects of true historical importance," he adds.

In fact, he explains that the mechanical drive solution used by Deritend has enabled the existing listed drive to remain in its entirety, with only the coupling bolts on both motor couplings having to be disconnected.

Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for street scene services and transport, comments: "It is a real feat of engineering that, nearly 100 years after it first carried people across the river, [the bridge] is in full working order and looking as good as the day it was opened. The efforts and expertise of companies like Deritend will ensure that it is still up and running in another 100 years."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Deritend Group

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.