Newcastle Swing Bridge (#1191)

Not a spring chicken.... the Swing Bridge opened in 1876, it replaced a bridge that hampered traffic up river, including the product that made Newcastle famous - coal. The Swing bridge still swings -- the cupola over the center is the housing for the control, the hydraulics are on the center pier. With the end of coal mining in the area, and then a decline in manufacturing, the bridge is opened much less often now, but still is opened. Interestingly, the white trim is to reduce the effects of very hot days. The metal expands enough on hot days that, before the painting had happened, the bridge would become immovable.

Good history and pictures on the following:

Source: www.bridgesonthetyne.co.uk/swingbr.html

(Part of a documentation of 2018 exploration/reflection on Brexit and populist movements in Europe, keyword Europe2018)