Swing Bridge, Road bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Swing Bridge spans 171 meters across the River Tyne, connecting Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead through a central rotating section. The middle portion rotates 360 degrees and is powered by the original Victorian hydraulic machinery.
The structure was built between 1868 and 1876, replacing a Georgian structure that prevented larger vessels from traveling upriver. This new solution opened the upper river section to increased maritime traffic.
The bridge embodies a milestone in industrial development and demonstrates the innovative hydraulic systems created by William Armstrong's manufacturing company in the 19th century. For local people, it stands as a symbol of the technical progress that shaped their city.
The best time to visit is at low tide, when you can see the structure clearly from below and the water provides an unobstructed view. The footpath across the bridge is easy to access and offers good views of the river.
A fascinating detail is that the bridge rotated roughly 6,000 times in 1924, marking a record for maritime traffic of that era. This number shows how vital the harbor was to the region's economy at that time.
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