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BRIDGE FACTS

  • The bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and engineers, Gifford and Partners.
  • Built by Harbour and General.
  • The bridge links new arts and cultural developments on Gateshead Quays on the south bank of the River Tyne with Newcastle Quayside on the north.
  • It will use a world first tilting mechanism to open, turning on pivots.
  • Its opening will resemble the opening and closing of a giant eyelid.
  • It is the only purpose built bridge for cyclists across the river and joins two cross country riverside cycleways which are part of a national network.
  • The bridge will pivot open for tall shipping to pass through.

It's dimentions

  • It weighs more than 850 tonnes.
  • Built on 19,000 tonnes of concrete plus 650 tonnes of steel re-inforcement.
  • It has a total span of 413 feet (126 metres) wide and a manufactured tolerance of 1/8th of an inch (3mm).
  • It rises 164 feet (50 metres) above river level and its foundations go down 98 feet (30 metres) to anchor it to the river bed.

Opening time

  • The bridge will open for shipping to pass through.
  • The bridge uses a world first tilting mechanism to open, turning on pivots on both sides of the river to form a gateway arch. Its opening will resemble the opening and closing of a giant eyelid.
  • Two concrete piers on each side of the river hide the massive hydraulic rams, pivots and motors which will open the bridge.
  • Each opening or closing will take four minutes.
  • It is powered by 8 electric motors totalling 440 kilowatts.
  • The design is so energy efficient it costs just £3.60 each time it opens.

Extra features

  • Aluminated at night with multi coloured lights.
  • Litter dropped on the bridge automatically rolls into special traps every time it opens.
  • The steel piles in the river are designed to prevent it being hit and can withstand a collision from a 4,000 tonne ship travelling at 4 knots.
  • Almost half the total cost of the £22m project was met by a grant of £9.2m from the Millennium Commission.
  • The design incorporates a pair of steel arches, one the deck for pedestrians and cyclists, the other supporting it by suspension cables.