A BRIDGE spanning a river in the North-East has been given a new lease of life after a multi-million pound engineering project.

A vintage bus yesterday became the first official vehicle over the High Level Bridge, between Gateshead and Newcastle, since it was closed in 2005 - with its official reopening to be held on Monday.

After £40m worth of investment and seven years work, Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher yesterday marked the end of engineering works that spans the River Tyne.

He was joined by David Sterry, chief executive at May Gurney, the main contractor on the project, as well as Newcastle City Council leader John Shipley and Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry.

Mr Coucher said: "The High Level Bridge is a unique structure. Made of cast iron, it needed some serious care and attention so that it can continue to serve the communities of Newcastle and Gateshead for many years to come.

"Our engineers have had to develop new techniques to protect the bridge, while respecting its grade one listing and making sure it can still be used."

Mr Coucher said beams were supported with new ones, while testing and research was carried out into the strength of the cast iron.

He said: "I'd like to congratulate everyone on a job well done under trying circumstances - and for keeping the trains running throughout."

Coun Henry said: "I am delighted to be able to welcome the reopening of this important link between Gateshead and Newcastle. All of the bridges over the Tyne Gorge serve to tie Gateshead and Newcastle together as one dynamic conurbation, but the High Level is particularly special because of its central location.

There were times during the last three years when I feared we might never see this day."

He added: "When work began, it was soon apparent that the condition of the structure was much worse than anyone had expected.

"I'd therefore like to congratulate Network Rail and their design team and contractors on the completion of an impressive restoration project, in extremely difficult circumstances."

The refurbishment began in 2001.

Go North East will tomorrow hold a ceremonial event with a free shuttle bus operating from Central Station or St Nicholas Cathedral every ten minutes, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.