MonoMonday "Strength": Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Gateshead Millennium Bridge (which carries pedestrian and cycle traffic across the River Tyne) has been nicknamed “The Blinking Eye” as when it tips to allow ships through it looks like an eye blinking – appropriate for me as a retired Newcastle eye surgeon!


This photo shows it in the tipped position, which I was lucky to capture when I was down on the Newcastle Quayside this afternoon.

It seems a good subject to demonstrate strength, as it:

Has concrete foundations stretching to 30 metres, anchoring it to the river bed

Is powered by eight electric motors – with enough power to run more than eight Ford Focus cars

Sits on 19,000 tonnes of concrete

Stretches 126 metres across the River Tyne

Was lowered into place by Europe's largest floating crane – Asian Hercules II

The very top of the arch stands 50 metres above the River Tyne when in its normal state

Weighs more than 800 tonnes

The electric motors drive the tipping action via massive hydraulic rams.
I’ve put some more photos on flickr here if anyone’s interested - including a photo of the rams.

Best viewed large (as the bridge is pretty big!!)

Many thanks once more to chantler63 for hosting MonoMonday this month.