Restored crossing takes passengers to a new level

04 June 2008

The High Level Bridge between Newcastle and Gateshead has opened to public transport for the first time since 2005, after engineering works.

Speaking as a vintage bus became the first official vehicle over the bridge since 2005, Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, said engineers had to develop new techniques to protect the bridge, while respecting its grade one listing and making sure it could still be used.

‘Solutions have included supporting existing beams with new ones which can take the load of the roadway, and undertaking ground-breaking testing and research into the strength of the cast iron.’

Cllr John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: ‘The bridge is an important part of our heritage. ‘It is vital to have it back in use to give priority to passenger transport and to improve journey times for bus passengers.’

At the peak of the project, more than 160 engineers and operatives, and 30 managers worked 24 hours a day, 12 days in every 14.

There were fears the bridge would not reopen to traffic because ‘it was apparent that the condition of the structure was much worse than expected’, according to Cllr Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council. Only buses and taxis travelling southbound out of Newcastle city centre will be allowed to use the bridge.

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Restored crossing takes passengers to a new level

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