Tyne Bridge a Popular Monument in Newcastle

The historic Tyne Bridge which links the city of Newcastle to the nearby town of Gateshead is one that is etched in the hearts of the Newcastle people as a reminder of Tyneside’s wealthy industrial past. The Tyne Bridge as its names implies is built over the River Tyne, it was built by Dorman Long and Company of Middleborough the same company that built the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This bridge which is considered as being a fine exponent of a compression arch suspended deck bridge was declared open in 1928 by King George V.

Over time the Tyne Bridge has come to be seen as a symbol of Newcastle and locals consider it to be one of the most endearing monuments in the city, similar to what the Harbour Bridge is to Sydney. This bridge has the same “bowstring” design as the nearby Wylam Bridge and the more famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the New York Bridge.

The history of the Tyne Bridge can be traced back to the Roman occupation of Britain; the earliest bridge to be built across the Tyne was Pons Aelius this bridge lasted a millennia and was replaced a much sturdier stone bridge in 1270. The idea of constructing a bridge at the present site was conceived much later and the first serious discussions began in the 1880’s. However it took more than 40 years for the plans to materialize and construction began for the new Tyne Bridge in 1925. The bridge was designed by architects Mott, Hay and Andersson who based their design on Hell Gate Bridge in New York. When it was completed the bridge spanned a distance of 389 meters and is about 60 meters above water level.

When the bridge was declared open in 1928, it was the largest single span bridge in the world. Such was the hype surrounding the bridge that local and regional residents flocked to the bridge in their vehicles ensuing several weeks of heavy traffic congestion, something which is still quite prevalent on Tyne Bridge. Being one of the entry points in to Newcastle, a Newcastle hotel can easily be found in the area.