River Tyne - Scotswood Rail Bridge (1871)

View from Keelman's Way

The original bridge built in 1839 for the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway Company enabled
trains to reach the Newcastle terminus.
It was burnt down in 1860 by hot ash from a passing train !!
A temporary wooden structure replaced it until this bridge was built in 1871.

The bridge consists of wrought iron hog back girders resting on cast iron cylindrical piers.

Cost £20,000.

Closed to rail traffic in 1982 it is still in use today carrying large water and gas mains across the river.