River Tyne
Queen Elizabeth II - Metro Bridge (1981)

Looking downstream from Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72 / C2C

This modern bridge is based on the design of the Ballachulish Bridge crossing the mouth of Loch Leven,
in western Scotland, was built between February 1976 and early 1979, and specifically constructed
to carry the Tyne and Wear Metro across the river between Gateshead and Newcastle.

It is a through-truss steel girder construction and was built by simultaneous cantilever
from each bank until the two sections met in the middle on August 1st 1978.

It carries twin light rail tracks and has a river span of 551 ft.

It was designed by Fairhurst and Partner and built by Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Co. Ltd.

Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in November 1981.

Total Cost £6,167,600

View from Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72 looking upstream
(King Edward VII rail bridge behind)

© Doug-on-the-Tyne - 2004