The Transporter Bridge becomes a centenarian!

Hi there, here is a little news piece I wrote about my home town, hope you like it!

The North East’s best-loved landmark turns 100.

TUCKED up in a quiet corner of the North East of England, the defining symbol of Teesside turns 100 years old this year. As it approaches its centenary, the Transporter Bridge, known locally as simply “The Transporter”, has undergone major refurbishments in preparation for the celebrations on 17 October, with improvements such as replacement motors already completed.

One of only a handful of working examples in the world and the only working type in England, the iconic steel monument links Middlesbrough and Port Clarence and is an instantly recognizable feature on the River Tees. The imposing figure of Edwardian engineering was officially opened in 1911 by Queen Victoria’s grandson Prince Arthur of Connaught and resembles two proud steelworkers, hands clasped together at the centre of the river in an act of working-class solidarity.

The partially completed towers of the bridge.

Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Streetscene Services and Transport, said: “The Transporter is an iconic landmark which is recognised around the world and of which we are truly proud. It’s fantastic that, nearly 100 years after it first carried people across the river, it is in full working order and looks as good as the day it was opened.”

Since the Transporter’s construction, Teesside became almost immediately synonymous with bridge-building, and throughout the 20th century, Middlesbrough’s historical steel industry has created epic monuments across the globe. Teesside technology has been exported to Tyneside, building the Tyne Bridge in 1928, New Zealand with the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1959 and the Australia’s monumental Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was opened in 1932 and famously features the epigram "Made in Middlesbrough".

Throughout the last century, the Transporter Bridge has attracted millions of visitors, having featured in the popular television series Auf Wiedersehen Pet and in recent years, has become a centre for extreme sports with dare-devils bungee jumping, zip lining and abseiling from the top of the bridge.

Ironically many Teessiders have never actually crossed the Transporter Bridge, with Port Clarence offering few amenities; however a strong affiliation to Middlesbrough means it conjures up strong emotions and memories for people in the region. The landmark is the North East’s finest hidden gem and here’s hoping it will still be standing for another 100 years to come.

A special calendar has been launched to commemorate this occasion, featuring stunning images taken throughout the bridge’s 100-year history and is available from: the Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre, local and mobile libraries, MIMA and the Dorman Museum.

Thankyou for reading and as ever, please feel free to leave a comment or add me on Twitter!

Emma xx