The original North Bridge, 1763-1775, was the first road link from the Old Town to the burgeoning New Town development.
The Category A status of the structure means it is an outstanding example of a particular period, style or building type. It is also located in the World Heritage Site
It remains a vital transport link connecting the north and south of the city carrying the A7 over Waverley Station.
In March 2018, councillors agreed to invest in refurbishing the structure after inspections between 2014 and 2017 identified various defects.
The last major refurbishment was in 1933 and some areas had not been accessed since the bridge had been completed in 1897.
Summary of the work
This is a major project with various technical challenges which needed a complex scaffolding to get into areas not accessed for 125 years.
The project has given us the opportunity to use modern engineering techniques, technology and understanding, making sure that the bridge remains fit for many generations to come.
The bridge has three spans, each approximately 53 metres. Each span has six steel main arch girders with a concrete deck, masonry piers and abutments, and a decorative cast iron façade.
Work has involved
- grit blast and repaint all structural steelwork, last renovated in 1933
- repair and refurbish structural steelwork and cast-iron springer bearings
- refurbish historic cast iron bridge façades including the redesign of façade fixings, allowing for sectional movement and easier future repairs
- grit blast, repair, seal and repaint parapets
- repair the bridge's concrete deck and install cathodic protection and structural health monitoring systems
- repair and improve pavements and drainage
- new waterproof membrane on bridge deck
- new lighting and road surface
- remove all redundant utility pipes and ducts and rationalise those services that remain
- repair and repoint masonry in areas most susceptible to deterioration
- restore and repair the King's Own Scottish Borderers War Memorial
- install permanent platforms to improve access for future inspection and minor maintenance
Project benefits
We are restoring and maintaining the historic and vital link for current and future generations.
Community benefits have included
- education and engagement with local schools and universities.
- placements and collaborations with local community groups, charities and artists
- career support for young people, ex-offenders and people with disabilities
- fundraising and volunteering for local charities as part of the project’s social outreach programme.
Timetable
Major work is expected to be completed by spring 2026 with full completion in summer 2026.
We know that the project has taken longer than we had initially anticipated, and are grateful to the local business community, residents and commuters for their patience.
As we gained full access and work progressed, it became clear that the Bridge needed more repairs than initially anticipated.
This uncovered significantly more deterioration than first anticipated and the complexity of bringing a Victorian structure up to 21st Century standards, without compromising it’s historic integrity, has proven challenging, technically and logistically.
The last major refurbishment was in 1933 and some areas had not been accessed since the bridge had been completed in 1897.
History of North Bridge
The North Bridge was constructed over the period 1894-97 by Sir William Arrol. He was also the contractor responsible for the construction of the Forth Rail Bridge.
The last major refurbishment works were undertaken in 1933. In the early 1990s the decorative facings were painted and new parapets were installed with decorative covers of spheroidal cast iron.
More information on the history of North Bridge from the National Library.