Just a gentle warning not to cross when the bridge isn’t there!
A while ago the distant silhouette of the Transporter Bridge appeared in the background of one of my photos. Paula expressed interest in it, so I thought it might be nice if it were the subject of a Thursday’s Special.
It is, in fact, quite a special structure. The concept of the transporter bridge was invented in 1873 by Charles Smith (1844-82) the manager of the iron works in, would you believe it, my home town, Hartlepool. It is a type of movable bridge that carries a segment of roadway across a river. The gondola is slung from a tall span by wires on a metal frame. The design is used to cross navigable rivers where shipping traffic needs to pass. Fewer than two dozen of this type of bridge have ever been built, according to Wikipedia.
Unfortunately Mr. Smith’s proposal was rejected by the local council, but the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge finally came into being in 1911. At 259 metres wide and 69 metres high it is the second largest such bridge in the world. The gondola can carry 200 people and 9 cars, and crosses the River Tees in 90 seconds.
The bridge never operates on windy days so I wasn’t surprised to find as I approached it that the gondola wasn’t moving. It wasn’t till I returned home that I discovered that it’s currently closed for repair! The good news for me was that I had uninterrupted views across the river. The bad news- the gondola was stranded on the far shore so I couldn’t get across. But I did discover a cycle track from which I could take even more shots.
It’s many years since I travelled that way regularly, in my commute to work. Often on chilly Winter mornings I stood on the riverbank, waiting for the gondola’s approach. When it landed and I stepped aboard there was always a frisson of excitement. Now the bus boringly follows the road and crosses the Tees via Newport Bridge.
The Transporter is not so regularly used these days, but a Visitor Centre, on the far shore, pays tribute to its exciting past (and its star performance on the TV sit com Auf Wiedersehn, Pet) but that’s a trip for another day. The links tell the full story, and if you click on any photo you’ll get my usual running commentary.
I hope that Paula enjoys her virtual visit to the Transporter Bridge with me, and that you’ll all join her on Thursday’s Special. The pretty logo below will take you there.
Jo, will be curious to see your set of images when you return and traverse it at the top. 🙂 I’m not sure my fear of heights would allow me to do so there or on Bilbao’s similar transporter bridge.
Not sure how good the images will be, Tricia! I suspect I’ll be trembling a little, if I ever make it 🙂
Never heard of it before. It sounds super neat and I like the way it looks. Much better than the boring bus.
Always! 🙂
this is fascinating Jo … I did not know about these bridges at all!
It’s amazing to me how many people have said that, Christine, but then, I grew up with it just a few miles away 🙂
we never realise that our little world might be a bit different from other places 🙂
what an interesting concept Jo…and such a beautifully clean and lean structure
It’s a landmark I’ve loved all my life, Jo. Viveka’s put a link to a YouTube video in her comments. Or the Wikipedia link gives you more information. Many thanks for your visit 🙂
What a lovely visit this was Jo. It’s a beautiful bridge and you’ve made it just more interesting with your lovely photo’s. Thanks for sharing hon. 😀 *hugs*
Thanks, Sonel. I was just thinking of you this sunny morning. Hope you’re well? 🙂 Big hug.
Jo, now I know how it works, with a “basket” *laughing … found this little video. http://youtu.be/WPzaf6g6RSM
I’m amazed! I almost never think of YouTube. I needn’t have taken all those photographs, just play the video 🙂 Thanks, lovely lady. I have both feet firmly on the ground this morning.
(But talking of feet, I think a hospital visit may be needed this morning- I suspect my son James has a bone chipped or broken in his foot 😦 )
Jo, I think you maybe could have posted the little video of the bridge with your stunning photo. Because it have given a bigger impact to the bridge and it also give picture of the greatness of this bridge, but your photos can measure up to the video or replace you view on the bridge. It can be a great combination sometimes .. to use a video and personal photos.
Wow, a bone chipped … I hope it’s not that bad, Jo … sounds painful and months of awkwardness. Good Luck, James.
Wow, this just fantastic – love it … excellent job !!! Beautiful, bold and urban. Transport bridge what does that mean …. It’s not connected to anything in either ends ???? Does it tip??? A majestic construction and goes back to 1911. My grandma was only 21 then. Love the blues in the shots.
The gondola runs across dangling from wires. The main structure is pretty solid. When it’s operational again I’ll go back for a ride and take some photos in transit (maybe even climb up and over the top- I might need a blindfold 🙂 )
Hug and night, night!
No, Jo … stay on the ground and solid *smile .. maybe I can find a video on YouTube .. that explains it to me.
Hug and good night!
Wow, what an interesting bridge! Thanks for sharing.
Shame I couldn’t ride across, Milka, but I will when it reopens. Thanks for your visit 🙂
A remarkable bridge with a rich history. Awesome pics! Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, sir. You too 🙂
Wow, great pictures!
And I like your comment 🙂
Have a happy weekend
Klausbernd
Many thanks, Klaus 🙂 Hope the sun’s still shining in your bit of world too.
It is, indeed 🙂
I used to have such a fear of bridges. Silly huh?! But now as a photographer they intrigue me so. Wonderful post.
Strange the things that spook us, Laurie. Happy you liked it 🙂
You mean jason statham bridge ? lol
Nice photos
Thank you 🙂
Thank You for this interesting post. This was new to me.
Glad you enjoyed it, Sartenada. Surprising the things we take for granted 🙂
What an interesting concept. Thanks for showing it to us Jo. Incidentally I loved the TV show Auf Wiedersehn, Pet, but I had to give a running translation to Jack of the dialogue as you needed to be a “Pomme” to understand the brummy accents
I didn’t catch all of it, myself, Pomme 🙂 The Geordies are something else!
They sure are
un maestoso e insieme sottile ricamo in ferro eretto dal genio umano scomoda l’inchino delle nuvole ( ha ha ha immagino cosa uscirà tradotto da Google di questa mia frase, non preoccuparti solo un commento poetico!)
sei una vera maga, amica Jo, una volta o l’altra spero fotograferai la tua bacchetta magica
kisses
a majestic and subtle embroidery iron set erected by human genius inconvenient bowing delle nuvole (ha ha ha I guess what will be translated by Google of my sentence, don’t worry just a poetic comment!)
are you a real witch, friend Jo, at one time or another I hope your magic wand fotograferai
Definitely a witch, Ventis (and in temper too! ) It’s wonderful to be able to find the magic in life through friends. Have a lovely weekend and thank you for your lovely (and poetic) comments 🙂
New to me as well. Amazing. Thanks for your wonderful photos to inform us.
It’s at times like this Ruth I forget what a big world it is and how very many bridges are out there. This one’s an old friend to me and I was happy to introduce her. Many thanks for your kind words. 🙂
Fascinating! Never heard of this bridge concept, never mind an actually constructed bridge, before 🙂
Thought you might like it after I read your post 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Fascinating post! I must visit.
Why not? Give me a shout if you do. Can’t remember where you’re based? 🙂
I saw this bridge on TV recently and thought it was amazing, so I’m delighted to see it on your blog, and to hear that you used to use it regularly. What a great commute!
Hi Lorna! I’m quite looking forward to a ride across the river and a look in the Visitor Centre when the repairs are all done (there were a few rusty bits up close 🙂 )
I think you got every angle! And lucky for us. These pix are great!
Thanks, Gem! I had such fun! Made like a real life photographer (there wasn’t anyone about to observe 🙂 )
I can just picture you bending and twisting and clicking and clicking 🙂
Like a pro!!!
We can dream 🙂
I’ve never seen anything like that! We mostly have boring drawbridges in the part of the world I am from.
With moats and castles, Kate? Sounds good to me. 🙂
This is my first time hearing about the transporter bridge. Thank you for explaining it to us, Jo! The structure is fascinating, great photos.
We do have some brilliant bridges nearby, Amy. Almost proud to be British 🙂
Paula’s non-challenge seemed like a good opportunity to showcase this.
I love constructions like this – fascinating. We stopped in Oporto last year partly for a liitle glass of Port and mainly to see the amazing bridge!
We’re a bit spoilt for them up here, Tonya. At least we get something right 🙂
This time last year I was days away from going to Oporto. Boo! Hoo! 😦
Great photos and explanation, Jo. Something I have never heard of. Quite an invention.
Funny how we take for granted the things on our doorstep, Lynne. This beauty is only half hour up the road from me (by car 🙂 ) Many thanks for your continued support and appreciation. 🙂
I thought it had been dismantled and sold and was now in Arizona crossing the Grand Canyon!
Oh to be so gullible 🙂 It’s alive and kicking, if a little rusty, Andrew! I’m going back when it reopens in 40 days to check it over. 🙂
Your pictures were wonderful – I look forward to the next batch!
Many thanks 🙂 Should I go over the top? Not sure if I’ll be safe in charge of a camera up there.
JDI!
I love bridges, Johanna, to the extent that I look out for races with bridges on the routes to enter. Your photos really bring out the amazing architecture. 🙂
This is a great bridge, Opalla. Can’t think why I haven’t featured it before except it’s a little off the beaten track for me these days. I’m glad Paula asked me about it. Thank you 🙂
I read a book earlier this year which featured the Transporter Bridge. I’d never heard or seen it before, even though my parents used to live in Middlesborough (way before I was born)! It looks awesome. Cath
Funny how we miss stuff that’s on our doorstep, Cath. It becomes invisible to us, but I’ve always loved this bridge (Middlesbrough not so much, though Dad lives there) 🙂
It’s hard to think the Transporter Bridge is invisible(!) but I know what you mean. I bet if I asked my parents next time I see them, they’ll say ‘oh yes, didn’t you know about the bridge?’! Haha.
Great post Jo. Really interesting and great photos. I would love to travel on that bridge, looks loads of fun!
Up and over the top, Colin? I don’t have that great a head for heights but it must be amazing. 🙂 Thanks!
I’ve never heard of a transporter bridge, Jo. I think I would prefer this over a standard bridge since I’m scared to drive on bridges. 🙂 Great photos!
Oh, I don’t think you would, Jill, as it’s quite strange when you’re out over the water in a little metal gondola with open sides. I’ll take some shots when it opens again as I really enjoyed my trip out. 🙂 Thank you!
Well, when you put it that way, I think you’re right, I wouldn’t like it. Maybe I’ll just drive around the river. 🙂
Good plan! 🙂
A magnificent beast, you have captured it really well – one day I must visit. Am I right in remembering that you could walk over the top if you didn’t want to pay for the gondola ride?
Yes! If you click on the photos I mention that in my commentary, but you need a good head for heights :). It is currently closed for 40 days for repairs. Many thanks for your comments.
Impressive – very well captured… 🙂
It’s an interesting structure. Shame I didn’t get to ride the gondola, but you have to have something for another day 🙂
Jo, this is so cool! I’ve never heard of a transporter bridge, and you’ve done this one justice with your photos. The “moody” sky really adds beauty to the bridge. Too bad you didn’t get to take the bridge across or climb up those stairs. But your walk along the cycle trail made for some interesting shots. Thanks for teaching me something new. 🙂
I was wearing my floppy brown sandals, Cathy, so I wouldn’t have been very safe up there 🙂 Another time 🙂 Glad you liked it. Will visit you later.
No, Jo, I don’t think the floppy brown sandals would have been safe up on that bridge. Wise move indeed to avoid that climb! There will always be another time! 🙂
Congratulations for the post that has made my lunch break so much more enjoyable; and now I am both smarter and more inspired for seeing it. The story about the structure, your way of leading us through your pictures, the takes themselves – everything is beyond my expectations :)Thank you, Jo for this generous gift.
So happy you liked it! And now we’d both better get on with the day 🙂
Ay, ay captain 🙂