New Video Reveals How the Tamar Bridge is Painted

A new video released by Tamar Crossings offers a rare look at what it really takes to paint the iconic Tamar Bridge – and it’s a lot more complex than grabbing a ladder and brush.

A Painter’s Eye View

Using previously unseen footage, the video captures the intricate and challenging process behind maintaining one of Cornwall’s most recognisable landmarks. Viewers are given a painter’s perspective from high above the Tamar, revealing the scale of the work required to keep the structure in top condition.

A Record-Breaking Landmark

When it first opened to the public on 24th October 1961, the Tamar Bridge was the longest suspension bridge constructed in the UK. Before then, ferries were the only way to cross the river at Saltash.

The bridge’s central span stretches 335 metres (1,100 feet), with the deck sitting 33 metres (108 feet) above the water. Its two giant concrete towers, standing approximately 76 metres tall, support two suspension cables — each 384mm in diameter and about 670 metres long. Every main cable is made up of 31 wire ropes, carrying a suspended weight of 7,900 tonnes.

Millions of Vehicles and Football Pitches of Paint

Back in 1961, around 4,000 vehicles crossed the new bridge each day. That number has grown dramatically, with more than 22,000 vehicles now crossing daily — adding up to around 16 million vehicles a year.

Painting the bridge is a major task in itself. The amount of paint needed to coat its steel structure would cover the equivalent of ten football pitches.