Posted 2008-08-10. Tags: epic, roadtrip, uk.
Opened to traffic on 28 February 1934 by the Duke of York, the Tees Newport Bridge spans the River Tees a short distance upriver from Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, linking Middlesbrough with the borough of Stockton-on-Tees, England. Designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson [1] and built by local company Dorman Long, who have also been responsible for such structures as the Tyne Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge, it was the first large vertical lift bridge in Britain.[2]
Constructed around twin 182ft (55m) lifting towers, the 270ft (82m) bridge span, weighing 2,700 tonnes, could be lifted by the use of two 325 H.P. electric motors at 52ft per minute to a maximum height of 120ft (37m). In the event of motor failure a standby 450 H.P. petrol engine could be employed to move the bridge, but should both systems fail it was possible to raise or lower the span manually using a winch mechanism. It was estimated in 1963 by Mr R. Batty, long time Bridge Master at Newport Bridge, that "it would take 12 men eight hours" to complete the movement by hand.
Source: wikipedia
Now we're getting somewhere! Middlesbrough was the main reason for the roadtrip, the route was just warm up baby. Like running the subway, climbing bridges is fucking life affirming. They're often protected, well lit and difficult to bail from (minus the obvious). If you're seen by people or cameras heading up a bridge the first time you'll know is either when traffic curiously stops or the police roll up at best with spotlights and angry faces, at worst with a helicopter. As you grasp the ladders or lattice and begin to climb you commit fully to the consequences and rewards. Once the game is in motion just play it out.
Transporter Bridge
Raging on adrenaline from our jaunt up the Newport bridge we rolled to the seedy neighbourhood around the base of the transporter and gaped skywards at the steel lattice structure which dominates the skyline. It towers over the surrounds, stretching over the river on spindly lattice legs like a decapitated AT-AT walker. We picked our approach path and charged the base.
The bridge was built by Sir William Arrol & Co. in 1911 under a 1907 Act of Parliament. The opening ceremony on the 17 October 1911 was performed by Prince Arthur of Connaught. The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge reflects the dynamic industrial heritage of the area.
The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge at 850 feet (260 metres) long and 225 feet (69 metres) high at the tallest point, is the largest working bridge of its kind in the world. The distance between the two towers is 580 feet (177 metres).
In December 1993, the bridge was awarded the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' highest honour, The Heritage Plaque, for engineering excellence, in recognition of the Council's efforts in keeping the bridge in good working order. Its historical importance was also recognised in 1985 by its listing as a Grade II* Listed Building and its prominence as a local landmark was further enhanced in 1993 by the installation of flood lights that operate during the winter months.
Source: wikipedia
Tees Newport Lift Bridge
Opened to traffic on 28 February 1934 by the Duke of York, the Tees Newport Bridge spans the River Tees a short distance upriver from Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, linking Middlesbrough with the borough of Stockton-on-Tees, England. Designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson [1] and built by local company Dorman Long, who have also been responsible for such structures as the Tyne Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge, it was the first large vertical lift bridge in Britain.[2]
Constructed around twin 182ft (55m) lifting towers, the 270ft (82m) bridge span, weighing 2,700 tonnes, could be lifted by the use of two 325 H.P. electric motors at 52ft per minute to a maximum height of 120ft (37m). In the event of motor failure a standby 450 H.P. petrol engine could be employed to move the bridge, but should both systems fail it was possible to raise or lower the span manually using a winch mechanism. It was estimated in 1963 by Mr R. Batty, long time Bridge Master at Newport Bridge, that "it would take 12 men eight hours" to complete the movement by hand.
Source: wikipedia
Now we're getting somewhere! Middlesbrough was the main reason for the roadtrip, the route was just warm up baby. Like running the subway, climbing bridges is fucking life affirming. They're often protected, well lit and difficult to bail from (minus the obvious). If you're seen by people or cameras heading up a bridge the first time you'll know is either when traffic curiously stops or the police roll up at best with spotlights and angry faces, at worst with a helicopter. As you grasp the ladders or lattice and begin to climb you commit fully to the consequences and rewards. Once the game is in motion just play it out.
Transporter Bridge
Raging on adrenaline from our jaunt up the Newport bridge we rolled to the seedy neighbourhood around the base of the transporter and gaped skywards at the steel lattice structure which dominates the skyline. It towers over the surrounds, stretching over the river on spindly lattice legs like a decapitated AT-AT walker. We picked our approach path and charged the base.
The bridge was built by Sir William Arrol & Co. in 1911 under a 1907 Act of Parliament. The opening ceremony on the 17 October 1911 was performed by Prince Arthur of Connaught. The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge reflects the dynamic industrial heritage of the area.
The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge at 850 feet (260 metres) long and 225 feet (69 metres) high at the tallest point, is the largest working bridge of its kind in the world. The distance between the two towers is 580 feet (177 metres).
In December 1993, the bridge was awarded the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' highest honour, The Heritage Plaque, for engineering excellence, in recognition of the Council's efforts in keeping the bridge in good working order. Its historical importance was also recognised in 1985 by its listing as a Grade II* Listed Building and its prominence as a local landmark was further enhanced in 1993 by the installation of flood lights that operate during the winter months.
Source: wikipedia
1 Comment(s)
The clouds at the top right of the second photo are nuts!
2008-08-11 10:13:25 #1
Max
