In April 1999 local transport minister Glenda Jackson issued an order under the Transport and Works Act granting Gateshead Council the powers to build the bridge.

The bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and engineers Gifford and Partners. It has been made by Gateshead-based construction company Harbour & General and its sub-contractors, who started work in May 1999.

Six bridge designs had been submitted to Gateshead Council and more than 45 per cent of the people who gave their views on the six bridge designs opted for the Gifford and Wilkinson design - three times as many as its nearest competitor.

The Bridge began its journey up the river Tyne from the Amec yard in Wallsend at 7.20am on November 20th 2000. It was carried up river by The Asian Hercules II, the worlds second biggest floating crane. The crane towers 120 meters into the air and was captained on its journey by Captain Focco Van Slooten.

The bridge was opened to the public on the 17th September 2001 and was officially opened by the Queen on the 7th May 2002.

Cost £22million. Weighs more than 850 tonnes. Spans 413 feet (126m). Rises 164 feet (50m) above river level. It's Foundations go 30 meters under the Tyne. The Bridge sits on 19,000 tonnes of concrete and 650 tonnes of steel re-inforcement. Huge hydraulic rams open the bridge powered by eight electric motors totaling 440 Kilowatts. It is so energy efficient it costs only around £3.60 to open the bridge.

 

Check out the Millennium Bridge Photos on my Wallpapers Page