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34 C O N T E X T 1 7 9 : M A R C H 2 0 2 4 A view of the bridge after completion of the works The overhead cable crane providing a mobile gantry with electric winches, enabling the works to take place safely In 2017 a conservation management plan supplement was commissioned from Spencer and Dower, architects and historic building consultants, who undertook further research into the structure’s history. At this stage it The overhead cable crane used to carry the work without the need for scaffolding was agreed to seek funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the costs of the works, enabling the bridge to reopen in time for the 2020 bicentennial of the original opening. Work started in earnest to develop detailed pro- posals for a comprehensive package of repairs so that the bridge can continue in use for at least the next 50 years, with only minor rou- tine maintenance. A detailed principal bridge inspection was carried out in 2018 to identify all the necessary works in detail. Crossing borders Two other bridges cross the national bound- ary between the Scottish Borders and Northumberland: the masonry bridges at Coldstream, designed by John Smeaton in 1766, and the Norham/Ladykirk bridge. Routine maintenance and minor repairs to both these bridges is routinely carried out without the need for formal consents. In the case of the proposed works at the Union Chain Bridge, listed building consent was required as both alterations and straightfor- ward repairs were proposed. The work required included the following significant alterations: • strengthening and augmentation of the existing chain anchorages • removal of the two wire ropes, their hangers and anchorages • replacement of the wrought iron hangers and repairs to the cast iron hanger caps • repairs to the railings and handrail • addition of new railings at mid-span • repainting system and colours, following historic paint analysis. Other work consisted of: • replacement of the bottom chord steel angle supports • replacement of deck, support timbers and deck boards • alteration of widths of the carriageway, kerbs and walkway • replacement of the English deck-flap • stonework repairs to the pylons, abutments, anchorage piers and embankment masonry • repairs to the chains, links and pins. Two separate listed building consent applica- tions were required, as the structure is effectively half Scottish and half English. Extensive pre- application discussion took place between the two planning services and Historic Environment Scotland and Historic England about the detailed proposals and the necessary supporting information. The two applications were handled completely separately but with similar timescales. Before the applications were formally submitted, a suite of planning conditions was agreed so that when consent was finally approved, the discharge of conditions could be managed by