Durham Lifting proud to support the restoration of Whorlton Bridge.
Our specialist structural testing helped support the restoration of one of the North East’s most important historic engineering landmarks.
After an extensive programme of specialist engineering and conservation, Whorlton Suspension Bridge has officially reopened. We’re proud that Durham Lifting was able to play a part in bringing this historic River Tees crossing back into use.
Our Managing Director, Amanda Gardiner, attended the reopening on Friday 25 September, joining representatives from Durham County Council, Historic England, VolkerLaser and the local community to celebrate the completion of the restoration.
Originally opened in 1831, Whorlton Bridge spans the River Tees near Barnard Castle. The Grade II* listed bridge is also a Scheduled Monument, reflecting its national importance as an early example of suspension bridge engineering.
Supporting the engineering behind the restoration.
Durham Lifting has supported work connected with the restoration since 2024, carrying out specialist structural testing as part of the wider project.
Restoring a bridge approaching 200 years old required careful consideration of what could be retained and what needed to be repaired or replaced. The structure was dismantled into approximately 1,800 individual components, which were catalogued and assessed as part of an extensive conservation programme.
Inspection and testing across the wider project included visual examination, Magnetic Particle Inspection, radiography and load testing. Durham Lifting’s own involvement centred on structural and pull testing of historic components, providing technical information about their condition, integrity and potential points of failure.
Our team also manufactured chain link rotational fixing devices for the project.
- Structural and pull testing of historic bridge components.
- Technical test evidence to support engineering assessments.
- Manufacture of chain link rotational fixing devices.
Much of the challenge lay in balancing the conservation of original components with the structural requirements of a working crossing. Where possible, historic elements were repaired and refurbished, with replacement components and modern engineering methods used where necessary.
The reopeningA proud moment for Durham Lifting.
For Amanda, walking across the completed bridge brought the work behind the restoration full circle.
“To be one of the first people to walk across the bridge again was a really proud moment. We’ve been involved in the testing behind the restoration, so to stand there and see it reopened, knowing the history of the structure and what it means to the local community, was incredibly special.”Amanda Gardiner, Managing Director, Durham Lifting
“Projects like this are a reminder that testing isn’t always just about new equipment. Sometimes our engineering expertise is helping people understand what can be safely preserved and what needs to change. To have Durham Lifting play a part in protecting a piece of North East engineering history is something we’re extremely proud of.”Amanda Gardiner, Managing Director, Durham Lifting
Reconnecting communities across the River Tees.
The reopening was a significant occasion for the communities on both sides of the river. More than 100 Whorlton residents attended the ceremony, marking the return of a crossing that has connected local people for generations.
Musicians Rosie Bradford and Sam Slatcher performed a specially written folk song celebrating the bridge and its history, bringing a fitting community moment to a major engineering milestone.
Preserving an important part of North East history.
Nearly two centuries after Whorlton Bridge first opened, its restoration shows how heritage conservation and modern engineering can work together to protect important structures for future generations.
For Durham Lifting, it also demonstrates the role specialist testing can play beyond conventional lifting operations. Careful examination and testing can provide the engineering evidence needed to inform decisions about the repair, replacement and continued use of complex structural components.
We’re delighted to have supported this project, and to see Whorlton Bridge welcoming people across the River Tees once again.
Find out more about our specialist testing services or read about our earlier involvement in the Whorlton Bridge restoration.