Iron Bridge covers red-y to come off

Most of the work on the bridge’s new red paintwork is now complete, and the process of removing the scaffolding and covers around the structure is continuing.

Tom Jones of English Heritage said of the latest progress: “We are making good progress with the project and everything seems to be going according to plan.

“We are looking forward to the community getting their bridge back.”

Part of the scaffolding that has been taken down in recent weeks was the structure which provided a walkway for members of the public to see the work taking place.

The red being used to paint the bridge was chosen after forensic analysis revealed it was its original colour.

The work is being done as part of the current £3.6 million conservation project by English Heritage.

It is the single largest conservation project undertaken by the charity since 2015. The work was started after extensive surveys of the area revealed that the historic structure was under threat from cracking due to stresses in the ironwork dating from the original construction, ground movement over the centuries, and an earthquake in the 19th century.

The project began in back in autumn 2017, and the charity says that conservation of the different elements of the bridge is well under way.

Different elements have been used to ensure the preservation of the bridge for many years to come.

They include a protective layer of primer that has been used across the bridge to prevent corrosion.

Other measures are replacement iron wedges that have been cast and are being fitted.