The Tyne Bridge is a through arch bridge over the River Tyne, linking Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. The bridge was designed by the engineering firm Mott, Hay and Anderson, who later designed the Forth Road Bridge, and was built by Dorman Long and Co. The bridge was officially opened on 10 October 1928 by King George V and has since become a defining symbol of Tyneside.
source: Tyne_Bridge_-_Newcastle_Upon_Tyne_-_England_-_2004-08-14.jpg
The design of the bridge derived from the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City. It’s a road bridge consisting of two parabolic trusses with Warren bracing, and is 398m long in total with an arch span of 162m. It is 17.1m wide and 59m high, with 25.6m clearance above high water, and contains some 7,100 tons of structural steel.
Photo: Bob Castle
The bridge was upgraded to Grade II* for architectural interest, as outlined here:
A striking steel arch design, at its construction, notable as the largest single-span steel arch bridge on the British Isles; It is a similar prototype design as to that prepared for Sydney Harbour, Australia; the main arch was designed by the eminent civil engineer (Sir) Ralph Freeman; the prototype of a method of construction involving progressive cantilevering, using cables, cradles and cranes, which was also developed for Sydney Harbour, but first tested in Newcastle; its neoclassical and Art Deco towers that are well-detailed and defined; a potent symbol of the character and industrial pride of Tyneside; recognized worldwide for its dramatic design.
Photo: © UGC, TNE
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Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
