Forth Bridge painting to end in 2011

Network Rail has put an end in sight to the unending task of painting the Forth Bridge.

The development by Network Rail of a long-lasting paint which should see the job complete in 2011.

The need for continuous maintenance of the structure led to the coining of a phrase for a never-ending job. For more than 100 years, painting work on the bridge has had to be restarted as soon as it has finished.

Network Rail chief executive Ian Coucher told the BBC the company is now able to name the date the process would end.  

He said: "The work currently being undertaken will restore the bridge to its original condition and preserve the steel-work for decades to come.

"The team currently working on the bridge has now completed some of the most difficult work and they have already overcome the most significant challenges that this project posed."

The new paint, similar to that used in the offshore oil industry, is applied in three coats. It has an estimated life span of 25 years, but it is hoped it will last closer to 40 years.

Marshall Scott of engineers Balfour Beatty said: "We have now worked in excess of 2.4 million hours on the bridge over six years.

"We now look forward to taking the project to completion and, with the removal of the scaffolding, the restoration of this remarkable bridge will return it to near pristine condition."