Gateshead Millennium Bridge by WilkinsonEyre

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge in Tyneside was presented at the AT Awards live finals on 7 November 2022 at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to a jury comprising, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, Peter Bishop, Hanif Kara, Juliette Morgan, David Partridge, Simon Allford, and Chair Isabel Allen. Read about how the project has stood the test of time, below.

The bridge consists of two graceful curves, one forming the deck and the other supporting it. Credit: Graeme Peacock

Completed
2001

Part of Tyneside’s great engineering history, Gateshead Millennium Bridge has been a catalyst for revitalisation, with millions of pounds worth of construction activity on both riverbanks.

The bridge is essentially two graceful curves, one forming the deck and the other supporting it, spanning between two new islands running parallel to the quayside. These pivot around their common springing points to allow shipping to pass beneath, using an innovative rotational movement like that of a slowly opening eyelid. The parabolic curves of the deck extend the 105-metre crossing distance to around 120 metres, giving enough extra length to provide the required clearance above the water. Visually elegant when static and in motion, the bridge offers a great spectacle during its opening operation – both during the day and by night.

The two curved elements pivot around their common springing points to allow shipping to pass beneath. Credit: Graeme Peacock

Investigations were performed for wind tunnel testing under different wind directions and opening positions, along with extensive analysis of the potential interaction of hydraulic systems with the bridge structure. Comprehensive aerodynamic testing concluded that the design would be stable in wind speeds up to 60m/s in service.

The bridge tilts over 500 times a year allowing access upriver for Royal Navy and private vessels looking to dock at the Newcastle City Marina and leisure craft. After 20 years, the bridge still has all its original major components, with the rams and pumps continuing to tilt the structure.