Bridges over the River Derwent

Nine Arches Viaduct

The Nine Arches Viaduct was one of the major engineering feats of the railway.

It is five hundred feet long and stands 80 feet above the river. Each of the arches spans 60 feet.

Originally single track it was later widened to double track.

It was built because the Earl of Strathmore would not allow the railway to pass through the Gibside Estate.

NCN 14 crosses this viaduct

Swalwell (Clavering) Old Bridge


Stone hump back bridge c1778 with three segmental arches with a total span of 150 ft. with pointed cutwaters curved up to hexagonal retreats which are corbelled and panelled. Road width of 15 ft. between parapets, formally on the main road to Hexham. It is still in use but for access only and is a Grade 2 listed structure.

NCN14 used to cross this bridge but
now passes the west end along the riverbank

 

Swalwell New Hexham Road Bridge

Replacement road bridge (1936) viewed from the Clavering Bridge with Pipe Bridge in foreground.

NCN 14 passes under this bridge along the west bank of the River Derwent.

 

Swalwell Water Pipe Bridge

A fanciful structure with two riser towers faced in stone. The three spans are of wrought iron lattice girders with fancy cast iron spandrals, built to carry a cast iron water pipe over the river - c1880?
No longer in use.

NCN 14 passes on the west bank.

Swalwell Suspension Footbridge

Built in 1903 a steel suspension bridge was built to link the allotments on each side of the river
and known locally as the Hikey Bridge.

Two steel towers support wire ropes and a timber deck, with a span of 121 ft. and 5 ft. wide.

Close to NCN 14 near the A1(T) road viaduct

Swalwell Rail Viaduct

Only the river spans now remain - the land arches and approach embankments having been swept away for housing, retail parks and light industrial units.

NCN 14 used to pass under this bridge along the east bank but can be seen from the west bank route.

A1(T) Viaduct and A1114 Road Bridges

A1(T) road viaduct - Western Bypass
NCN 14 passes under this viaduct
A1114 Road Bridge
NCN 14 passes under this on the west bank
Functional beam bridges built for the A1 Western Bypass scheme around Gateshead and Newcastle.

Derwenthaugh Rail and Foot / Cycle Bridge

Carries the Newcastle to Carlisle railway over the mouth of the River Derwent - extensivly restored 2003 when the rivers piers and bridge deck were strengthened.

The foot/cycle bridge is on the upstream side.

Situated at the mouth of the River Derwent
NCN 14 passes over this bridge
with the link route to NCN 72 passing below it.