Wide Wednesday: "Solid"

The Collins Dictionary offers this as one of its definitions of the adjective 'solid':
"A structure that is solid is strong and is not likely to collapse or fall over".

I hope this applies to the High Level Bridge over the Tyne, connecting Newcastle and Gateshead. It certainly looks pretty solid, contains 5,050 tons of iron and has stood since 1849 so it's certainly proved itself.  It also survived a fire on 24th June 1866 which almost engulfed the bridge. It has, however, required a considerable amount of strengthening over the years, particularly as modern locomotives can weigh up to 100 tons (compared with mid-19th century locos weighing about 20 tons).

It was designed by Robert Stephenson as a key component of the England-Scotland railway: the railway goes over the top level and there's a roadway underneath. However most trains now use the alternative King Edward railway bridge and road traffic is restricted to one-way (southbound) buses and taxis (and bikes & pedestrians of course - they can go both ways!).

I took this shot on my phone as I walked over the bridge this morning to a meeting in Gateshead, knowing that I'd be at the meeting all day and wouldn't have many other blippertunities.

Many thanks as always to Bobsblips for looking after Wide Wednesday.