(Top photo courtesy Anthony Burns, Bottom taken by myself)
Upon seeing this magnificent structure for the first time a few months back when I had visited the Newcastle quayside, I was immediately taken back at what a stunning design it is. For those who are unfamiliar with the bridge, this isn't just any other stereotypical bridge. Opened on 17 September 2001, the bridge is used for pedestrians and cyclists to cross over the River Tyne from Gateshead into Newcastle (or vice versa). It is visually stimulating whilst being fully functional at the same time. "Six 45 cm (18 in) diameter Hydraulic rams (three on each side
, each powered by a 55 kW electric motor) rotate the bridge back on large bearings to allow small ships and boats (up to 25 m (82 ft) tall) to pass underneath. The bridge takes as little as 4.5 minutes to rotate through the full 40° from closed to open, depending on wind speed. Its appearance during this manoeuvre has led to it being nicknamed the "Blinking Eye Bridge". ("Tilting bridge opens eye to the world". BBC News. 2001-09-17.)
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH THE BRIDGE IN ACTION:
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