A multi-million pound refurbishment of a historic landmark has been completed despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.

The programme of works to Rochester Bridge involved strengthening the structures and other safety improvements.

Despite the complexity of the work, much of which involved working underneath the bridges, the project recorded an outstanding health and safety record and has been completed on time and on budget.

The Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project delivered repairs and renovation to the 1914 Old Bridge, which has elements dating to 1856; the 1970 New Bridge and Service Bridge; and an area of Rochester Esplanade.

Bridge clerk of the Rochester Bridge Trust, which owns and maintains the crossings, Sue Threader, said: "This refurbishment was a major undertaking, even before the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, and I am incredibly proud of the efforts of everyone involved.

"The Old Bridge in particular is a complicated structure with elements dating from different periods, which pose additional engineering challenges.

"Every detail was carefully considered, from the condition of the bearings to the choice of stone and bricks, to the mood of the lighting.

"The work was carried out to an exceptionally high standard and we worked as hard and as fast as we could to minimise inconvenience to the public, in spite of the massive scale of the task.

"Now the refurbishment is complete it will ensure the bridges are in the best possible condition for many years to come."

Hundreds of different activities took place along the length of the bridges and surrounding area, including deck repairs, painting, re-roofing, landscaping, re-pointing the river wall, resurfacing and seating improvements.

Much of the work was unseen by the public because it took place on the huge scaffold beneath the deck, which alone cost well over £1 million.

The work was carried out by lead contractor FM Conway and a team of specialist sub-contractors.

Senior contracts manager for the firm, Liam McGoldrick, said: "These bridges are iconic structures and the work was carried out to the highest possible standards, both from an engineering point of view and with regards to heritage and visual aesthetics."

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