A bridge over the river Tyne connecting Newcastle and Gateshead. Hydraulic power enables the bridge to swing open to allow large ships to pass by on the river.
Fun facts
- It was opened on the 15 June 1876.
- In 1876, the Swing Bridge cost over £240,000 to make, which is about £30 million in today’s money.
- It is the second oldest bridge that currently links Newcastle and Gateshead. The oldest is the High Level Bridge.
- It is controlled by hydraulics (water-powered). This means that the bridge is powered by motors to allow the bridge to move.
- The fact that the bridge could ‘swing’ open (instead of lift open), meant that large ships could sail upriver for the very first time.
- It is located between the Tyne Bridge and High Level Bridge across the River Tyne.
- The Swing Bridge allows pedestrians and cars to cross over the River Tyne.
- It has a length of 171 metres.
- Construction on the Swing Bridge was started in 1873.
- It was first swung open for a ship to pass through on 17th July 1876.
Then and now
Find more images of the Swing Bridge on the Co-Curate website.