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Location notes
A busy road bridge over the Durham coast line, adjacent to Hartlepool station. A set of steps on the south side of the bridge lead down to the railway station itself, while offering a further vantage point.
Railway type and traffic
The principal passenger operator is Northern, with an hourly service between Newcastle and Nunthorpe usually worked by Class 142s, with the occasional Class 156s. Grand Central HSTs and Class 180s also pass by, along with regular freight services, predominantly GBRf and Freightliner coal trains with a semi-regular DRS nuclear flask working between Sellafield and Hartlepool power station. Other passenger and freight operators can be diverted around the coast on occasion.
Environment
The road is just off Hartlepool town centre, close to Hartlepool's railway station. Due to the frequency of road traffic, a set of lights should be used when crossing. Care should be taken after dark.
Road directions
The road the bridge is the A689. It runs through the centre of Hartlepool and can easily be reached from the north and south.
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Parking
Two large supermarkets - Asda and Morrisons - are just a couple of minutes' walking distance from the bridge. Hartlepool station has a small car park, but you will have to pay to use it.
Public transport
The bridge is a short walk from Hartlepool station itself - when leaving the station, turn right and you should see the steps leading up to the bridge just beyond the seldom-used bus shelters.
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Amenities
There are toilets and cafes at the nearby Morrisons and Asda supermarkets, the latter of which is open 24 hours (except Sundays). Hartlepool Marina is a few minutes' walk away, which has plenty of places to eat.
Accommodation
Travelodge and Premier Inn both have hotels at Hartlepool Marina, a short walk from the bridge.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Hartlepool, A689 bridge
Googly map
Streetmap links
Hartlepool, A689 bridge general view map
Hartlepool, A689 bridge close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Hartlepool, A689 bridge
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Photographic notes
On both sides of the bridge, the line curves, so a good angle can be found at most times of the day. Allow for some time to cross the bridge itself, as this is best done using the traffic lights at the south-west end.
General views - All photographs © Rich Mackin unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north west
Fig 2 - Looking south east
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