Hadrian's Cycleway

King Edward VII Rail Bridge (1906)

Looking downstream from Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72 / C2C
(Metro Rail bridge behind)

Originally trains using the High Level Bridge to reach Newcastle Central station had to leave the station
in the same direction they had entered, which usually involved the tedious task of reversing.

The construction of the King Edward Bridge provided four more rail tracks, thus forming a loop through the
station, which enabled trains to enter or leave from either side and thus ease rail congestion.

It was designed and engineered by Charles A. Harrison, the Chief Civil Engineer of the North Eastern Railway.

The bridge is rather inelegant but functional consisting of four lattice steel spans resting on concrete piers.
Total length of the bridge is 1,150 feet and 112 feet above high water mark.

Built by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company

Total cost of £500,000

The bridge was opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra on July 10th 1906.