DSCF2301 Go North East 5386 (NL63 YAU) just in Gateshead - 1 Jun 2018

Friday 1 June 2018 (0847) – A view from the Tyne Bridge with Go North East 5386 (NL63 YAU), an Optare Versa new in November 2013, seen having just crossed the old swing bridge from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Gateshead. It is allocated to Riverside garage in Gateshead and was working ‘Quaylink’ service Q2 to Gateshead and Heworth. Buses towards Newcastle run as service Q1.

The swing bridge, designed and paid for William George Armstrong, was first used in 1876 and is still moved by hydraulic power today. The high mounted control cabin sits over the roadway and the central pivot supporting the structure.

Across the background is the High Level Bridge which was opened by Queen Victoria in 1849. This bridge carries railway tracks on the upper level and on the lower level there are pedestrian paths either side of a roadway now restricted to use by local buses and taxis travelling southbound only. When constructed the roadway was adequate for two way carriage and cart traffic.

(The Travelodge where I stayed can be seen under the second arch from the left of the High Level Bridge. My room was on the top floor offering a great view of the bridges from the opposite side).