Tees Viaduct

The Tees Viaduct is a road bridge that spans the River Tees, connecting Middlesbrough to Stockton-on-Tees and carrying traffic across 68 separate sections. Its structure rises above the water and the landscape, with one large central section reaching furthest over the river itself.

Work began in the early 1970s to build this crossing, and it opened to traffic in the middle of the decade as a major new route. The project responded to growing transport needs in the industrial region.

The bridge carries the weight of daily commutes between two towns, becoming part of how people think about their region and its connections. Crossing it, locals and visitors experience a moment of separation from the river valley below, a brief suspension that marks the boundary between communities.

When driving across, keep in mind that the bridge is part of the main A19 road and carries steady traffic throughout the day. Weather conditions and peak travel times can affect the flow of vehicles, so plan your crossing accordingly.

The bridge can shift and move slightly with changes in temperature and the weight of passing vehicles, using special joints throughout its length to accommodate this movement. This built-in flexibility is what allows the structure to survive decades of use without cracking or failing.

Inception: November 1975

Official opening: November 1975

Shares border with: Tees Newport Bridge

GPS coordinates: 54.56780,-1.26790

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59