Efforts have been underway to remove graffiti from the historic High Level Bridge.
A team from Gateshead Council has recently arrived at the 1849 bridge equipped with pressure washers and cleaning supplies to tackle the graffiti and tags, as well as scrapers for removing stickers.
The cleaning process focused on eliminating all graffiti from the metalwork surrounding the road deck, footpaths, and cycle paths, reaching heights of approximately eight feet.
However, cleaning the stonework will necessitate road closures and cannot be conducted at this time. This might be addressed in a future phase of restoration for the 175-year-old structure.
Network Rail oversees the overall maintenance of the High Level Bridge, including the rail deck, while Newcastle City Council manages the road surface and lighting, and Gateshead Council is responsible for the pathways.
After graffiti removal, pigeon droppings were cleaned up, and the gullies and gutters were also serviced.
We retained eight seasonal workers for an additional month to complete the required tasks.
The High Level Bridge was inaugurated by Queen Victoria on September 28, 1849, though the public roadway didn’t open until about six months later, in early 1850.
The recent cleaning efforts on the Robert Stephenson-designed bridge were funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as removing the graffiti will enhance access to the Railway Quarter.
These cleaning activities were finished in time for a festive market set to take place in the Railway Quarter this Saturday (November 23).
The area’s vibrant pubs, bars, and cafes will be complemented by a variety of street stalls showcasing local artisans, food vendors, and independent businesses.
It is illegal to damage or deface a listed structure, and the council will take action against anyone caught tagging or vandalizing the High Level Bridge.
Neighborhood wardens are authorized to issue fixed penalty notices to individuals caught in the act of graffiti. If prosecuted in court, offenders could face hefty fines or even imprisonment.
Councillor John McElroy, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for transport and the environment, stated, “We are fortunate to have the High Level Bridge in our community. It’s an iconic landmark, and we urge everyone to appreciate and protect it, and to report any damage they witness.”
“Maintaining this listed structure, which is 175 years old, is a significant challenge, but we want it to endure for another 175 years.”
The 408-meter (1,338-foot) long bridge was fully closed for maintenance in the early 2000s, and upon reopening, the road deck was made one-way southbound (towards Gateshead), now only allowing buses and taxis. This one-way system is necessary to manage the load and due to the narrow width created by crash barriers on either side.