Newport Transporter Bridge
VolkerLaser was awarded a contract by Newport City Council to undertake major repairs to the Newport Transporter Bridge.
What we're doing
This remarkable bridge is one of only six operational transporter bridges left worldwide from a total of twenty constructed. It was originally built in 1906 and crosses the River Usk in Newport, South East Wales.
The bridge is made up of three key components timber, structural steel and steel cables. The contract includes the restoration of the gondola and main supporting superstructure. Our specialist team will be restoring the gondola which carries vehicles and pedestrians across the river along with the two overhead walkways. We will also be restoring lost architectural features, repairing the bridge’s cross beams and anchorage housing, and replacing rotting timbers and worn anchor pins and cables on the main booms. Cables and sockets will be replaced, and a complete corrosion prevention system will be installed, along with the installation of a new lighting system across the structure.
Scaffolding systems have been installed on various sections of the structure in order for the team to undertake blasting, steel repair and re-painting. Work is being undertaken at three levels - at ground level for the east approach bridge and gondola, at 54 metres high for the works to the main boom and at 74 metres high for the works to the top of the towers. This has presented significant challenges for the team, with wind speed being constantly monitored to ensure the safety of all operatives.
Earlier this year, the team were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal to site, where she heard about the extensive restoration works.
November 2025
Since the team commenced work on site, significant progress has been made on the refurbishment and strengthening of the primary structural elements. Works have included the removal of paint, undertaking of steelwork repair and the repainting on over 60% of the boom, and the inspection and replacement of over 75% of the bracing pins, with the team currently continuing on both elements of works.
Works have been fully completed in a number of areas, including: replacement of all oblique stay cables, replacement of the most severely deteriorated diagonal bracing cables, replacement of all stanchion cables, replacement of all stair restraint cables and replacement of all gondola and traveller transfer cables.
The team is currently working across the structure with painting works underway on the main suspension cables, repairs to the hanger rods being undertaken and replacement of the remaining diagonal bracing cables in progress.
Another focus is the east approach bridge, with the team commencing dismantling works to the bridge and the gondola counterweight to allow for parapet repairs and further restoration works.
Works to remove the paint from the gondola is also underway.
