The Union Chain Bridge is an important Grade 1 Listed Structure over the River Tweed linking England and Scotland. After 200 years of use, the bridge needed significant restoration, upgrading and repair. Under the watchful brief of both English Heritage and Historic Scotland, we worked closely with the conservation architect in surveying and reviewing the stonemasonry to the towers to provide an effective stone intervention scheme. Classic Masonry also assisted with the proposals and selection of stone. The company then undertook the associated conservation and repair of the masonry to the English and Scottish Towers. Careful dismantling and reinstatement of existing masonry sections, the introduction of new carved and tooled masonry components, and the application of new traditional mortar repairs were all part of the scope of interventions. The work included the extensive removal of hard cementitious pointing (‘Scotch’ pointing) and its replacement with traditional Natural Hydraulic Lime. The whole bridge has been fully restored to its former glory and is now open for public use.
Main Contractor: C Spencer Ltd