River Tyne - Redheugh Bridge (1983)

Third Redheugh Bridge (1983)
with King Edward VII Rail Bridge behind.

In the 1860s, population growth in the west end of Newcastle led to demands for another river crossing, which opened in 1870. This was replaced in 1901, and again in 1983.

The third bridge is a pre-stressed concrete bridge with its central span of 160 metres
and two side spans of 100 metres and can carry abnormal loads of up to 4,000 tonnes,
and has a life expectancy of 120 years.

Including the approaches, the bridge is 2942 ft (897m) Long. Width: 52ft (15.8m).

Due to the exposed location, strong winds cause problems for high sided vehicles,
early in its life a double decker bus was nearly blown over the side but luckily came
to rest leaning against the parapet railings.

All three bridges that have crossed here carried large water and gas mains.
In the first two bridges the pipes formed structural members of the bridge girders.
In the modern concrete bridge these are carried in the hollow concrete spans
with ventilation holes to prevent gas build and risk of explosions.

Constructed by Edmund Nuttall Ltd to a design by Mott, Hay & Anderson.

Opened: 18th May 1983 by the Princess of Wales.

Total cost of £15,350,000

First Redheugh Bridge (1871)

The first Redheugh Bridge was constructed in 1871, engineered by Thomas Bouch
who was also the designer of the ill-fated first Tay Bridge in Scotland. This bridge developed
a number of problems and eventually it was deemed beyond economic repair and was replaced.

This bridge was built around the original structure which in turn was dismantled.
In later years weight and speed restrictions had to be imposed and was replaced in 1983 by the present modern structure a few yards downstream.
Only the south abutment remains,
now adorned by a modern sculpture.