IT'S the last bridge of its kind in the UK, and everyone who works on its structure appreciates they are ensuring a piece of history remains open to the public.

However next week, the famous 160ft Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge will close for three days for essential maintenance to be carried out.

The contract involves "re-roping the winch drive system" according to Mike Whalen of TL Lifting, which fortunately are located a bridge span away from the structure.

Mike appreciates he is working on Middlesbrough's most famous landmark and explained exactly what the work will involve.

"The winch drive system transports the gondola unit from one side of the bridge to the other," he said.

"Because of the age of the structure the wire rope needs to be regular replaced, and we're delighted to have been given the contract. We will be working from dawn until dusk to keep the disruption down to a minimum."

When Mike first looked into the contract he was surprised to discover just how often the bridge is used.

"The bridge is open for 18 hours a day from 5am every morning which shows just how much work the whole system gets through."

The bridge itself has gone through a high number of changes over the past two years, with a visitor centre on the site recently being opened.

A year ago critics called for the 88-year-old moving platform bridge to be scrapped and a new river crossing constructed. It had been shut down for more than a year after cracks were found in rails.

It reopened again only to closed within days, and there were questions the bridge's weight bearing apparatus was overloaded.

But Middlesbrough Council stood firm and maintained the Transporter Bridge was an integral part of the town's transport system, and the aim of all the district council's projects was to preserve the Transporter as a working bridge. The bridge will be closed from 5am on Tuesday and should re-open at 5am on Friday.