Millennium Bridge

The Gateshead Millenium Bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects with Gifford and Partners as engineers. It links Newcastle Quayside with the new arts and cultural area at Gateshead Quays. The bridge opened in September 2001. It spans between two new concrete islands running parallel to each quay side. The bridge between these two caissons has two parallel decks for pedestrian and cycle paths. The structure pivots upwards like a closed eyelid slowly opening to form a gateway arch for ships to pass under, the 25 metre clearance being the same as the Tyne Bridge.