The signage manufacturer has marked the tenth year it has installed the iconic Tyne Bridge sign
Astley, a fabricator, and specialist of bespoke signage has recently looked back on its ten years of providing signage for the famous Great North Run.
The event which sees 60,000 runners journey along a 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields is marked each year with the dressing of the iconic Tyne Bridge by Astley.
As well as making the large sign that adorns the bridge, members of the Astley team often take part in the Great North Run, raising money for charity in the process.
George who ran at this year’s event in aid of Astley’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK, says: “Supporting such a great cause like Cancer Research meant so much to me as I ran in memory of my late grandad who passed earlier this year.
“The atmosphere was like something I’ve never experienced before – it was electric throughout the whole run, with people from Newcastle and all over the UK coming to show their support."
George and his colleague Martin both raised £1,828 for the charity and were able to see many familiar faces when taking part in the run.
This year was the 42nd anniversary of the half marathon and saw Astley create and install signage not only on the bridge itself but also for the Great Run’s head office near the Tyne Bridge.
Astley works closely with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council in order to ensure the structural design and elements of the installation all meet health and safety standards.
Speaking about the project online, Astley states: “The logistics of traffic management when fixing the sign on the bridge is a challenge in itself, with the bridge having to complete lane closures throughout the night over a five-day period.”
Astley also says the installation team must use high-level access equipment which means facing heights of around 16.5 metres to reach the first fixing points.
Having been involved in the Great North Run signage for the past decade, Astley says it’s incredibly proud of the work it has done over the last ten years and looks forward to another hopeful decade ahead.
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