Swing Bridge, Road bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
The Swing Bridge spans 171 meters across the River Tyne, connecting Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead with a central rotating section.
Built between 1868 and 1876, this bridge replaced a Georgian structure that restricted larger vessels from navigating upstream sections of the River Tyne.
The bridge represents a milestone in industrial engineering, demonstrating the innovative hydraulic systems developed by William Armstrong's manufacturing company in the 19th century.
The central section rotates 360 degrees using the original Victorian hydraulic machinery, allowing vessels to pass on either side of the bridge.
In 1924, the bridge performed approximately 6,000 rotations, marking its highest operational year for maritime traffic passage.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Location: Gateshead
Official opening: June 15, 1876
GPS coordinates: 54.96730,-1.60782
Latest update: September 23, 2025 16:45
Tyne Bridge
141 m
High Level Bridge
72 m
Moot Hall
192 m
Bessie Surtees House
149 m
Guildhall, Newcastle upon Tyne
134 m
County Hall
228 m
Bridge Hotel
199 m
Old Tyne Bridge
99 m
39 And 40, Sandhill
158 m
13, Sandhill
174 m
46, Sandhill
145 m
35, Close
150 m
47-52, Sandhill
142 m
28 And 30, Close
167 m
Bridge Medical Centre
97 m
36 and 38, Sandhill
169 m
10, Castle Stairs
161 m
Phoenix House
201 m
The Red House
179 m
South postern tower facing the river, and curtain wall adjoining
171 m
Exchange Buildings
204 m
Former Fish Market
100 m
Posts and rails on Castle Stairs
147 m
Watergate Buildings
120 m
32, Close
180 m
Wall From Swing Bridge To Quayside Sheds, And Bollards On Top
225 m
15, Sandhill
180 m
17, Sandhill
192 mReviews
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