High Level Bridge

The High Level Bridge is a combined railway and road bridge built in 1849, designed by Robert Stephenson, likely with assistance from John Dobson. It is constructed of ashlar and cast iron. The bridge features two arcaded stone abutments and five monumental stone piers that support six segmental iron arches, with the upper level serving the railway and the lower level for road traffic. The lowest beam supporting the roadway has a moulded architrave design, and cast iron pilasters connect the upper and lower levels, both of which are adorned with openwork parapets.

To the south, there is a single massive ashlar pier. A round arch supports the main bridge to the north, separating the curved railway lines above from the straight roadway beneath to the south. The access section to the main bridge is Y-shaped and is supported by three diminishing arches, with an iron cage that holds the railway above. The east side of the bridge curves to the southeast, while the west side curves to the southwest. The curved iron cage includes 15 square columns on the west and 19 columns on the east, both of which end to the south with a massive ashlar pier.

The south access to the bridge at road level features an iron cage supported by four square iron columns, with a linking entablature above topped with an iron balustrade. To the right, the east cage with the railway line extends to a massive ashlar pier, while to the left, a matching stone pier is set back. The bridge remains in active use for both road and rail traffic and is regarded as one of the finest examples of architectural ironwork in the world. The northern section of this bridge is listed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.