Refurbishment is part of the build-up to the centenary celebrations of the iconic structure's openiing

Work started at the weekend on the latest phase of refurbishment work on Middlesbrough's iconic transporter bridge. The upgrades are part of the build-up to next year's centenary celebration of the historic bridge's opening and include the replacement of the original electric motors and drive system after nearly 100 years of service.

The work on the motors and drive system will be undertaken by local engineering firms RMB Deritend, Zenith Services, Quartz Electrical and Mechanical Services and Konecranes UK. The bridge will be closed for four weeks, and is due to re-open on Monday 14 June.

The transporter bridge, which spans the River Tees, opened in 1911 and is one of only three such bridges still in existence in Britain. At 259.3m it is also the longest remaining transporter bridge in the world.