The announcement, at the Scottish Transport Conference in Edinburgh, comes at a time when Network Rail is being accused of failing to invest in Dundee station.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail’s director for Scotland, outlined the details of the three-year bridge contract, which will see contractors Palmers ThyssenKrupp Ltd tasked with accelerating the current schedule of works.

Mr McAulay said, “The Tay Bridge has seen ongoing works to restore it to its original glory.

“However, this latest contract will allow us to significantly increase the pace of the refurbishment.

“We will be increasing the number of men employed on the bridge from 25 to approximately 100.

“The contract will see 70,000 square metres of wrought iron, cast iron and steel stripped back to the bare metal and a new weather resistant glass epoxy-based paint applied to preserve the bridge for future generations.

“The current contract will run to 2012. However, we don’t expect the entire project to be completed until 2016.”

The work being undertaken on the bridge is said to be “extremely challenging”, requiring boat access and specialised cradling platforms in order to access the structure.

The grit blasting and painting processes being used on the Tay Bridge are similar to those currently put to use on the Forth rail crossing.

However, the span between Dundee and Wormit presents its own unique challenges, with exposed conditions, strong tides and little in the way of on-site shelter for workers carrying out the vital works.

The current contracts will take total investment in refurbishment of the Tay Bridge in the last 10 years to £53m. It is expected the project will provide long-term preservation of the bridge, with similar work not expected to be required for around 30 years.

Mr McAulay added, “As we build a bigger and better railway, we also acknowledge the towering achievements of Scotland’s railway heritage. This investment underlines that commitment.”