THE Transporter Bridge has reopened to the public after the latest phase of the biggest overhaul in its 103-year history.

The "gondola" opened to passengers and vehicles this morning (Monday, March 9), and crossings will be free of charge for the next four weeks.

The renovated gondola now has new glass sidings offering views up and down the River Tees, as part of the £2.6m Heritage Lottery Fund-supported Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience Project.

The Transporter will operate with new opening hours of 7.15am - noon and 1pm - 6.15pm (Monday to Friday) and 9.30am - noon and 1pm – 3pm (Saturday).

After the free travel period, the cost of crossing the Bridge will be 60p each way for pedestrians and cyclists, with a journey costing £1.30 each way for single-bay motor vehicles, and there are savings for regular users.

Work is continuing on the completion of the Transporter’s new lift, visitor centre improvements and interpretation and heritage trail. It is expected to be finished by May.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “With a smart new coat of paint and the new gondola in place, we were keen to allow Bridge users to start using it again as soon as possible."