Wylam Railway Bridge

Wylam Railway Bridge is a steel arch structure that crosses the River Tyne with three ribs reinforced by diagonal bracing to resist wind forces. The span measures approximately 240 feet and demonstrates solid Victorian engineering design.

The bridge was constructed between 1874 and 1876 by the Scotswood, Newburn and Wylam Railway at a cost of around 16,000 pounds. The ironwork came from Hawks, Crayshay & Co of Gateshead.

The structure represents industrial engineering advancement in Northern England, marking a key period in railway network development across Northumberland.

The bridge now serves as a pedestrian and cycle route connecting Wylam to Tyne Riverside Country Park after rail services ended in 1968. Visitors can walk or cycle across to access the park and surrounding riverside areas.

During World War II, a German aircraft mistakenly bombed this bridge thinking it was the more famous Tyne Bridge nearby. Bombs fell between West Wylam and Crawcrook, but the structure survived largely unscathed from the attack.

Location: Wylam

Official opening: October 6, 1876

GPS coordinates: 54.97310,-1.82755

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:10