Tees Newport Bridge, Vertical-lift road bridge in Middlesbrough, England
The Tees Newport Bridge is a steel road bridge crossing the River Tees with twin towers and a central lifting span that can raise to allow tall vessels to pass. It carries traffic between Middlesbrough and Stockton on the A1032, serving as a crucial daily link for commuters and freight.
The bridge opened in 1934 and was Britain's first vertical-lift bridge of its kind. After its construction, it proved itself as a reliable traffic solution, with lifting operations ceasing in 1990.
The bridge embodies the industrial strength of Northeast England, where local manufacturers created steel structures of global standing.
The bridge can be crossed on foot or by car and is accessible daily. Pedestrians should note this is a busy road, so caution is needed when navigating the structure.
The bridge's counterweight system used two powerful electric motors and a backup petrol engine for safety. This design allowed manual lifting if power failed, making it self-sufficient in emergencies.
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