Scotswood Railway Bridge

Scotswood Railway Bridge is a railway viaduct crossing the River Tyne, consisting of six sections supported by five massive cast iron cylindrical piers. The structure extends over approximately 212 meters and measures about 7.7 meters in width, with its longest span reaching around 38 meters.

This bridge was completed in 1871 and replaced several earlier structures, including an original wooden bridge from 1839 that was destroyed by hot ash. The new construction marked an important advance in the region's railway infrastructure.

This structure shows the engineering methods of the Victorian railway era through its combination of cast and wrought iron components. Visitors can observe the massive cylindrical piers that support the bridge and reflect the skilled craftsmanship of that period.

The structure is not accessible on foot to the public today, as it remains in railway use and contains private sections. The best views of the bridge can be found from the nearby riverbank or from neighboring bridges in the area.

The bridge was constructed at a calculated angle across the river to avoid sharp curves that would have forced trains to slow down. This thoughtful design allowed for higher speeds across the structure.

Location: Tyne and Wear

Official opening: 1871

Length: 212.6 m

Longest Span: 37.9 m

Width: 7.7 m

Made from material: wrought iron, cast iron

GPS coordinates: 54.96800,-1.69400

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27