The River Tyne’s Swing Bridge is still unable to swing and has not opened in more than three years.
Major concerns continue to surround the future of the famous Tyneside structure, after confirmation that it remains broken. The Grade II* listed crossing last swung open in November 2019 but has been plagued by mechanical problems since.
It jammed shut in August 2021, when hundreds of sightseers who had gathered on the Quayside to catch a rare glimpse of the bridge rotating during a maritime festival were left disappointed. And councillors were told on Monday morning that it has remained shut since then.
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The Port of Tyne, which is responsible for the bridge’s operation, did not respond on Monday when asked what work was being done to fix it and when it might be working again.
Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah has been among those calling for action to protect what she calls a “marvel of engineering”, but said the bridge “hasn't got the investment it needs”. She added: “I have met with representatives from the Port of Tyne over the last two years to discuss options for the future of the Swing Bridge, and I do hope they can set out a working vision for the future.”
The Labour MP accused the Government of having “given up on the North East”, with the Tyne Bridge now also in an increasingly dilapidated state having been made to wait years for much-needed maintenance funding that was finally agreed this summer. Since its completion in 1876, it is estimated that the Swing Bridge has swung around 300,000 times to allow approximately 500,000 boats to pass through. Its busiest year is thought to have been 1924, when it opened 6,000 times.
At a meeting of the Newcastle and Gateshead Joint Bridges Committee on Monday, Tyneside councillors were told that £15,000 worth of temporary repairs were needed “to prevent further deterioration of the bridge” this year, followed by a £50,000 permanent scheme to fix up the end of its swing span deck in 2023/24. Speaking up over worries about the Swing Bridge’s future, Newcastle Lib Dem councillor Pauline Allen said: “Is the work that’s happening on the Swing Bridge going to make sure it is still a swing bridge? I know there is a lot of concern from people now.
“We are talking here about temporary repairs to prevent further deterioration. But there is clearly a concern that we lose the Swing Bridge. Our bridges are important to the people of Tyneside and it is one of our iconic images – not just the Tyne Bridge, the whole span of bridges. People want them to be kept in a good condition and working properly.”
Alistair Swan, Newcastle City Council’s principal engineer, confirmed that the Port of Tyne “have been having problems over the last couple of years with the operations” and at the moment the bridge “can’t be swung”. He added: “Some of the mechanics in there are the originals from the 1870s, so parts have to be specially fabricated.
“They tried [to swing it] 18 months ago and it failed, unfortunately. They are still working on a means of getting it back operational again.”
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