The Swing Bridge, a grade II* listed Victorian marvel designed by William Armstrong, marked 150 years since its first swing on July 17, 1876. The bridge, which connects Newcastle and Gateshead, was the first of its kind in the world, using pressurised water to power hydraulic engines that could turn its 3,000-tonne central span 180 degrees in six minutes. The first vessel to pass through was the Italian ship Europa, collecting a 100-tonne gun for the Italian government.
Bridge in Disrepair
Despite its historic significance, the bridge has been inoperable since November 2019, with its swinging mechanism broken. It has swung open around 300,000 times in its history, but there is no longer an economic need for it to swing, according to Port of Tyne officials. Restoration is complex and expensive, with no funding yet secured.
Anniversary Celebrations and Restoration Plans
To mark the anniversary, new information boards have been installed at both ends of the bridge, and an exhibition opened at the Discovery Museum running until December. Heritage enthusiasts recently donned Victorian costumes for a walk across the bridge to celebrate 150 years of road traffic.
Port of Tyne, Newcastle City Council, and Gateshead Council have formed a partnership to pursue restoration. They aim to secure funding for a feasibility study from sources like the Government’s Structures Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Official Statements
Newcastle City Council leader Colin Ferguson said: “I am committed to preserving it for future generations. Lots of efforts are under way to securing funding to develop a feasibility study, to understand the condition, maintenance needs and long-term operation of the bridge. This is a complex engineering project and requires external funding, however this feasibility study is a crucial step towards putting together a strong bid for when a funding opportunity to return it to its former glory becomes available.”
Gateshead Council leader Nick Allan added: “Our bridges are a really defining element of how people across the country think about Tyneside. Everybody knows the view up the Tyne, and the Swing Bridge is right at the heart of that. We are proud to mark the 150th anniversary, and look forward to working with partners and government to see how we might see investment in its future.”
Ashley Nicholson, Port of Tyne’s chief business officer, called the bridge a “remarkable piece of engineering” and said: “Although there is no longer a requirement for the bridge to swing for river traffic, the Port, alongside Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council, fully supports efforts to secure funding for a feasibility study. This will help determine the extent of the repairs required and how best to preserve this important heritage asset for future generations.”
