Middlesbrough Council in northern England has launched a bid for US$4.5 million of funding for work on the iconic Transporter Bridge.

The council has submitted the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund with the aim of carrying out changes including the installation of glass lifts to take visitors to the top. If successful, the bid for funding will also permit enhancements to the walkway to enable public access. Other plans include motor replacement and restoration work to the gondola.

The bridge will celebrate its centenary in 2011. It is the only transporter bridge still in operation in the UK.