Report - Queen Alexandra bridge, Sunderland, August 2018

[stranton]

The redundant rail deck requires certain techniques as it is now isolated, there's a single ladder which isn't accessible
well worth the effort long as you don't mind heights.

This twin deck pedestrian, vehicle & former rail bridge
links Southwick (north) & Pallion or south Hylton (south) of Sunderland.
The steel truss bridge was designed by Charles Harrison,
& built by William Arrol (bridge) & Mitchell brothers (linking spans)1907-1909.
opened on the 10th June 1909 & closed to rail traffic in 1921,
being used by trains for a mere 12 yrs.
There's 4 spans 2 north, 1 south of 230ft & a central of 330ft each 85mtes high
the north & south linking spans were demo'd during the 1980s, although a 5 arch viaduct remains at the north.
The low deck carries the A1231 road while the high deck (now redundant) carries electricity cables & water mains.
The bidge was refurbished during 2005-2006, at a cost of 6.3 million
& is grade 2 listed.

viaduct

north
a linking span once connected the viaduct to the bridge

rail deck

middle

equipment

south

views

northern spire bridge
under construction, completion unknown

thanks

 

[dave]

Great work i wondered when this was ever going to be done. A few years back i bought some timber for a job i was doing and the timber merchant claimed it had come from this bridge. The new bridge is meant to open this month apparently believe that when it happens.

 

[stranton]

thanks

The new bridge is meant to open this month apparently believe that when it happens.

the bridge was supposed to be opening in May (3 months overdue now)

 

[hugo_monkey]

Always wondered what it looked like at the top. Great photos.

 

[stranton]

Always wondered what it looked like at the top. Great photos.

thanks

 

[maygo]

Excellent pics, this bridge is one of Sunderland's landmarks- thanks