From a bridge, to a barrage.

A completely different bridge

The bridge at the Whitewater Rafting Centre

If you saw my entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge this week, you might just have wondered what you would find if you crossed over that bridge. Come with me, and I’ll satisfy your curiosity.

You may remember that we started with this remarkable bridge

You may remember , I started with this remarkable bridge

The Infinity Bridge was constructed across the River Tees, at a cost of £15 million, and opened on 14th May 2009.  It was part of a massive regeneration project linking the river banks and providing a very pleasant environment for walking and cycling.  Full details are in the enclosed Wikipedia link, but a rather special feature is the sensory lighting system, which illuminates the bridge at night.  I have yet to play with this!

Footpaths stretch along both banks, leading in one direction to the town of Stockton.  The opposite direction leads to the Tees Barrage and eventually out to sea.  It can be quite an interesting bit of shoreline.  The Tees Barrage is used to control the flow of the river and to prevent flooding.  The waters beyond the barrage are permanently held at the level of an average high tide.   The Barrage, which opened on 22nd April, 1995, has a design life of 120 years!  It also incorporates a white water course,  a real crowd pleaser if an event coincides with a sunny day.

The Barrage always attracts the curious
And has many interesting angles
And curves
Like these.

And looking back from the Barrage, what can you see?

The Infiniity Bridge, of course

The Infinity Bridge, on the skyline, of course

Just look at that blue sky!

And just look at that blue sky!

Today all is calm on the White Water course

Today all is calm on the White Water course
Not a ripple disturbs the water.

Barely a ripple disturbs the water

But sometimes the Fire Brigade provide a little sport

But sometimes the Fire Brigade provide a little sport!

If nothing is happening on the white water, you can often find entertainment from the antics of the seals in the River Tees.  They seem as interested in the Barrage as are humans.  There is also a small nature trail, for a close up on the wildlife.  It can be a breezy spot though, so don’t forget to wear your warm jacket.  I did!

62 comments

  1. I love the Infinity Bridge shots Jo. I’ve done a couple of bridge posts (one on old bridges, one new), and while the Victorian types have some appeal, I really enjoy the modern ones. Bridges are costly to construct, so why not put a bit more energy and creativity into the design and make it visually appealing? ~James

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    1. You know I can’t sit at home all day, Sonel. Just have to get out! 🙂 I’ve got one eye on the window planning “the great escape” right now, because it’s another promising morning. 🙂
      Many thanks, hon! Take care.

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      1. Sounds like lots of fun Jo. Enjoy hon! Can’t wait to see your ‘escape’ photo’s. 😀 *big hugs* and take care too hon. xxx

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  7. Jo the curved metal on the bridge creates an artwork in itself! Now tell me more about the seals. Are they wild or kept in the area? I’d like a photo of the seals and the fire brigade please 🙂

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    1. They’re wild, Sue 🙂 They bask on the sandbanks in the estuary and when they want some exercise head up to the Barrage, where the water can be quite turbulent. At some point I will post about Greatham Creek. I have to be sparing with my fire brigade shots. Don’t want anyone to get too excited 🙂

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    1. It is really well laid out, Jill, with a nice pub too. It was designed to international standards and was in the running when we hosted the Olympics, but sadly, didn’t get used. We’re not in the “hip and trendy” part of England (can you hear my north-easterner sour grapes coming out 🙂 )

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  15. Thanks for taking us here Jo, I did wonder what that lovely bridge was for when you said it was just a footbridge. The barrage bridge is a real beauty, all those curves! What an extraordinary area you live in. And I’d love a piece of that blue sky right now. I have totally had enough of all these shades of grey!
    Jude xx

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    1. Unbelievable how many shades of grey there are, Jude, isn’t it? It’s tipping it down here so I’m glad I got out and about yesterday and the weekend. 🙂
      It’s a funny old area, Jude. The Tees around Middlesbrough is highly industrialised and it’s an eyesore as you drive by, but I guess you learn to ignore the iffy bits and focus on the nice parts. (and the header works with this post too 🙂 )

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  16. The bridge at the Whiewater Rafting Centre is a beauty and a true masterpiece – as are the others. I love your captures of this area, Joe – a lovely place for recreation and sport.
    Best regards from Norfolk
    Dina

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