The Gateshead Millennium Bridge spans the River Tyne in England between Gateshead on the south bank, and Newcastle upon Tyne on the north bank.

The bridge was lifted into place in one piece by the Asian Hercules II, one of the world's largest floating cranes, on 20 November 2000. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2001. It bridge, which cost £22m to build, was part funded by the Millennium Commission and European Regional Development Fund.

Already acclaimed worldwide for its physical and aesthetic beauty, it has fast become a significant tourist attraction in its own right.

Huge hydraulic rams, one on each side, tilt the bridge back on special pivots to allow small ships and boats to pass underneath. Its appearance during this manoeuvre has led to it being nicknamed the Blinking Eye Bridge.

The bridge operated reliably since construction, opening to allow river traffic to pass as well as 'just for show'. Its reputation was untarnished until October 2004 when the failure of a £200 circuit board prevented the bridge from opening.

The aesthetic of the bridge is sadly marred by piers erected along the watercourse, to guide shipping beneath the highest point of the bridge's span.

External links

• http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/bridge/bridged.htm
• http://www.ejayar.ndo.co.uk/eye.html - construction photographs