THE repainting and repairing of the Newport Bridge is set to take much longer than originally planned Stockton Council has announced plans to change its programme of works to the bridge so the A1032 which runs across it can reopen as soon as possible.

Works to repair the 80-year-old Grade II-listed structure began at the end of July but when the bridge was deep-cleaned significant areas of corrosion were discovered.

The council said the damage was much worse than anticipated, meaning the project will take longer than initially planned.

To minimise disruption Stockton Council has decided to change the way the works are being carried out.

The amended project will see a large tunnel style scaffold constructed which will allow the A1032 to fully re-open so motorists can use the road while the remaining repairs and painting take place.

The council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport Councillor Mike Smith said: “We know how well used the A1032 is and appreciate the frustration its closure has caused so we are working hard to construct the scaffold tunnel as soon as possible.

"Once it is complete, motorists will be able to use the road as usual. “The damage that has been found is a lot worse than we anticipated so we have reacted decisively to change the repair and painting programme.

“It would be counter-productive to carry out a quick ‘patching-up’ exercise as this would result in us having to re-close the bridge to carry out more extensive works in a couple of years. We have a duty to maintain this iconic structure and it is important that we repair it properly now to prevent even more disruption in future.

“We carefully plan our finances so we have sufficient contingency reserves to cope with circumstances like this. Consequently, we have committed £4.1 million to pay for the revised programme so that motorists can use the road while the works take place.”