Supporting the Rehabilitation of Whorlton Suspension Bridge.

Durham Lifting supported VolkerLaser during the complex rehabilitation of the historic Whorlton Suspension Bridge, supplying temporary steel supports, specialist rigging equipment and technical lifting expertise for the carefully controlled dismantling process.

The project involves dismantling, refurbishing and reinstating the complete suspension and deck structure while protecting the bridge’s historic character and ensuring it can continue to serve the local community for future generations.

A carefully coordinated bridge rehabilitation

Restoring a historic suspension bridge presents a very different set of challenges from working with a modern structure. Each component must be removed in a controlled sequence while the remaining bridge elements are kept stable and protected.

Work on the bridge included the removal of the carriageway and the staged dismantling of the suspension and deck systems. Every stage required close coordination between engineering, construction and lifting teams.

Temporary steel supports for controlled dismantling

Durham Lifting supplied temporary steel support systems used to stabilise sections of the bridge as individual components were disconnected and removed.

These supports were essential to maintaining structural control throughout the dismantling process and helping provide a safer working environment for the crews carrying out the restoration.

Specialist rigging for a unique structure

Durham Lifting also supplied specialist rigging equipment selected around the geometry, weight and condition of the original bridge components.

Handling parts of a suspension bridge requires careful consideration of load distribution, balance and lifting point positions. Incorrect loading could place unwanted forces into the structure or damage components intended for refurbishment and reuse.

• Temporary steel supports for structural stability
• Specialist rigging selected for historic components
• Controlled load distribution during dismantling
• Support for safe carriageway and deck removal
• Testing expertise for original steel members
• Technical input throughout the rehabilitation process

The rigging arrangements were tailored to the requirements of the bridge, demonstrating Durham Lifting’s ability to support complex lifting work where standard equipment and methods may not be suitable.

Testing the original steel components

A further stage of the project involves assessing the integrity of the bridge’s original steel members before they are approved for refurbishment and reinstatement.

Durham Lifting’s testing capabilities will be used to apply controlled loads to selected components, helping determine whether the original steelwork continues to meet the required strength and safety criteria.

Protecting a valued County Durham landmark

Work on the project was temporarily paused after a bat was discovered within the Toll House. Once the required licence had been issued, activity was able to resume in line with the necessary environmental controls.

The rehabilitation represents an important investment in a structure that has remained part of the local landscape for generations. Preserving its original character while improving its condition requires specialist engineering, careful planning and respect for the bridge’s heritage.

Durham Lifting is proud to contribute its lifting, rigging, steelwork and testing expertise to a project that will help Whorlton Suspension Bridge remain standing for generations to come.