Tyne bridges 240522 4318
The High Level Bridge across the River Tyne between Newcastle and Gateshead.
Of the seven bridges that cross the Tyne between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead, this is the oldest still existing, having been opened in 1849. Designed by Robert Stephenson, it carries a railway on its upper deck and a road on the lower, the latter now being available southbound for buses and taxis only, other than for pedestrians who can use the original walkways on either side. The railway tracks on the upper level are 112ft above high tide level.
Due to the steep banks of the river, a high level route was the only option for railway traffic, and most of the road traffic is now carried at the same level, although the low level swing bridge of 1876 is open to all traffic, whilst the 2001 opened Gateshead Millennium Bridge is available to pedestrians and cyclists only.
Tyne bridges 240522 4318
The High Level Bridge across the River Tyne between Newcastle and Gateshead.
Of the seven bridges that cross the Tyne between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead, this is the oldest still existing, having been opened in 1849. Designed by Robert Stephenson, it carries a railway on its upper deck and a road on the lower, the latter now being available southbound for buses and taxis only, other than for pedestrians who can use the original walkways on either side. The railway tracks on the upper level are 112ft above high tide level.
Due to the steep banks of the river, a high level route was the only option for railway traffic, and most of the road traffic is now carried at the same level, although the low level swing bridge of 1876 is open to all traffic, whilst the 2001 opened Gateshead Millennium Bridge is available to pedestrians and cyclists only.