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'No quick fix' for Swing Bridge rotation fail

Getty Images Aerial view of the Swing Bridge spanning the River Tyne - the structure's red and white metal girders rise to a low curve in the centre. Behind it, and down river can be seen the Tyne Bridge - a high metal arch with concrete pillars, and behind that the white curve of the Millennium footbridge.Getty Images
The Swing Bridge has not been able to rotate since November 2019

There has been "little progress" on the timetable for repairs to the River Tyne's famous Swing Bridge, councillors have been told.

Due to mechanical problems the bridge, spanning the river between Newcastle and Gateshead, has been unable to rotate for five years.

There had been hopes the Grade II listed structure could be fully operational in time for its 150th anniversary in 2026.

However, Port of Tyne, which is responsible for its upkeep, said it was a complex situation for which there was no quick solution.

The Victorian bridge, which dates from 1876, has not swung open since November 2019, and a planned opening during a maritime festival in August 2021 failed.

A recent meeting of Newcastle and Gateshead's Joint Bridges Committee asked if the Port of Tyne had provided any update on its repairs.

Alastair Swan, principal engineer at Newcastle City Council, said: "We had a couple of meetings earlier this year and they are still going through the process of what they can do and how they can do it.

"There is an aspiration to do it in time for the anniversary in 2026."

PA Media An aerial view of the bridges across the River Tyne.PA Media
The bridge is between the High Level Bridge and the Tyne Bridge

Labour's Newcastle Central and West MP, Chi Onwurah, who last year received offers of help for its restoration "from Newcastle to New York" after a call for engineering expertise, also said efforts to fix it were "highly complex".

"The Swing Bridge is an iconic feature of our city and a testament to our industrial heritage... we need to make sure [it] is swinging again in time for its anniversary," she said.

"We know what is structurally needed to complete the restoration, but we need funding opportunities to get it done."

Port of Tyne officials told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Over recent years, the port has undertaken a thorough review of the highly complex engineering requirements of this historic piece of local infrastructure.

"These unique challenges mean that sadly a solution will not be found quickly.

"We are working with key stakeholders to ensure the future maintenance and operation of the Swing Bridge is secured for the people of Newcastle and Gateshead."

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