Work has finally begun on restoring Newport's historic Transporter Bridge after years of delays and cost increases. Plans to transform the 100-year-old bridge - one of only two operational transporter bridges in the UK - were due to begin last year after it was closed to the public but were dealt a significant blow when contractors Cleveland Bridge UK entered administration in July 2021.
The plans, which include major repairs as well as a brand new visitor centre, have been hit with delays and cost increases and Newport City Council confirmed earlier this year that a second contractor had entered administration, forcing it to re-tender the contracts for the project.
A council report at the time confirmed the costs had risen from £11.9m to £16.9m, which it blamed on worsening market conditions due to Brexit and the pandemic. The issues also forced the council to underwrite a shortfall of £3m after the National Lottery Heritage Fund sympathetically agreed to increase its contribution to £10.7m.
