The 1876 hydraulic swing bridge - William Armstrong’s pioneering moving structure and, at the time, the world’s largest of its kind - has not successfully opened since November 2019. Despite many discussions between the Port of Tyne, Newcastle and Gateshead councils, and heritage bodies, the bridge looks almost certain to reach its 150th anniversary this June still unable to swing.
The Swing Bridge over River Tyne was the first major structure to use Armstrong’s patented hydraulic machinery (photo by John Dias)
In an email to Bridgeweb, Newcastle city guide John Dias expressed the growing embarrassment felt by locals who regularly host visitors on the Quayside. He writes that there have been “some seven years whilst the various authorities have ‘discussed’ plans for its restoration”, yet no firm commitments have been published.
Dias has now launched an online petition urging the responsible authorities to reveal what has been decided since 2019 and to set out a clear path forward before further deterioration raises the cost and complexity of the job. The petition – hosted on 38 Degrees (link opens in new tab) – has drawn hundreds of signatures in its opening days, reflecting strong public interest in safeguarding a defining piece of Tyneside’s industrial heritage.
Dias says the lack of clarity is particularly acute for those working with visitors: “As a Newcastle city guide it is a source of embarrassment… I have to explain there are no concrete plans in place to restore the bridge.”
Reports presented to the Joint Tyne Bridges Committee confirm that officials and the Port of Tyne intend to meet again ahead of launching a feasibility study to determine the scale and cost of repairs to the 3,000t rotating span and its Victorian hydraulic mechanisms. However, securing funding remains a major challenge – and councillors and MPs warn it is extremely unlikely the bridge can be repaired in time for the 150th anniversary.
