The world’s first ‘blinking’ bridge has been successfully lifted into place across the River Tyne, UK.
The manoeuvre, which had been delayed for two weeks due to bad weather, was finally completed on Monday.
Photo: Northern News
The 850 tonne structure spans 126 metres. It is designed to rotate in an ‘eye-blinking’ movement, creating an arch to allow ships to pass underneath. Opening and closing will take just four minutes, and cost only £3.60 per time.
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The world’s biggest floating crane, the Asian Hercules II, was used to lift the bridge onto a concrete base on either bank
“This was a unique operation – the largest of its kind performed anywhere in the world,” says Roger Wilson of SMIT International, the company responsible for moving the bridge.
When it opens in summer 2001, the £22m Gateshead Millennium Bridge will carry pedestrians and cyclists between an arts development at Gateshead quays and Newcastle Quayside, to the north.
