Edinburgh’s North Bridge reopens after eight-year refurbishment

Edinburgh City Council’s transport convener, Stephen Jenkinson, said: “This reopening is all the more welcome given the busy time of year, and the wider travel disruption we’re currently experiencing as a result of the fire on Princes Street.

“Make no mistake, this has been one of the most complex and ambitious projects the council has ever undertaken.

“When work first began, some areas of the bridge hadn’t seen the light of day in over a century, and few could’ve imagined the scale of the challenge we faced.”

The bridge was constructed almost 130 years ago by Sir William Arroll & Co – the Glasgow firm which also built the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge in London.

The last major refurbishment was in 1933 and some areas of the structure had not been accessed since the bridge had been completed.

Parts were found in much worse condition than expected, which – along with the Covid pandemic – contributed to the delay.