Kingsgate Bridge

Kingsgate Bridge is a concrete pedestrian crossing that spans the River Wear and connects two areas of Durham University. The two sections meet at a central bronze expansion joint, running between Bow Lane and Dunelm House.

Engineer Ove Arup designed this bridge in 1963 near the end of his career. The structure received the Civic Trust Award in 1965 for its innovative approach to river crossing design.

The bridge's name references a historic city gate, and it serves as a daily crossing for students moving between university grounds and the town below. Its bronze memorial to the designer has become part of how people remember this place.

The bridge is open daily to pedestrians and provides a direct route between university grounds and the town center. The surface is solid and flat, making it easy for anyone to cross in most weather conditions.

The bridge was built using an unusual method where two halves were constructed parallel to the riverbanks and then rotated 90 degrees to meet in the middle. This eliminated the need for traditional scaffolding across the river.

Location: City of Durham

Inception: 1967

Official opening: 1966

GPS coordinates: 54.77306,-1.57250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02