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Written by Robert Clarke - 05 May 2005
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Location notes
Located south of South Shields town centre, this bridge was built new in 1984, for the introduction of Tyne and Wear Metro services to South Shields, and provided a link to the new Chichester Metro station. The bridge replaced the old BR route to South Shields, via High Shields. Just along from this location, it is possible to see some of that old alignment, as the embankment still remains!
Railway type and traffic
Tyne and Wear Metro trains, working South Shields - Airport workings, though some other, short workings, do also take place. The bridge, incidentally, is built to the same specification as that of the Ouseburn Metro Viaduct, Byker.
Environment
The street is a semi developed street. At the eastern end, it is built up, but at the western end, it is exposed. Best to avoid the area after dark, and also, don't wear either a Newcastle United FC jersey, or a Sunderland FC Jersey.
Road directions
From the A19, come off at the junction for the A194, and then head eastbound on the A194. The A194 is a dual carriageway road, all the way to South Shields. At the end of the A194, you will come to a roundabout, at it will be possible to see Wickes ahead. Crossgate is the right hand exit.

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Crossgate Metro Viaduct, South Shields map co-ordinates
Parking
There are a couple of car parks on Crossgate, though it is unknown if these are free. However, there is ample car parking available in Wickes Building Supplies, which is only a couple of minutes walk away. Ironically, this sits on the site of the old BR route to High shields!
DO NOT park in the Morrison's regional office car park. This is a staff only car park.
Public transport
The nearest Metro station is South Shields.
From the station, look for the exit onto Keppel Street (it may be marked bus stances), and turn to your left. Follow Keppel Street all the way round, as it goes onto Fowler street, and then up a hill. At the top of this hill, there will be a roundabout, with the council buildings on your left. Turn right at the roundabout, and your onto Crossgate. Keep walking, and you will see the bridge ahead.

For metro timetables, visit the Tyne and Wear Metro website, and click on the \"M\" logo.

The main bus operators are Stagecoach South Shields and Go North East

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Amenities
There are none in the immediate area. Best go to South Shields town centre.
Accommodation
Numerous establishments within the South Shields area.
Alternatively, Newcastle upon Tyne is 22 minutes away on the metro.
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.
Crossgate Metro Viaduct, South Shields

Googly map
Streetmap links
Crossgate Metro Viaduct, South Shields general view map
Crossgate Metro Viaduct, South Shields close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Crossgate Metro Viaduct, South Shields



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Photographic notes
Trains will be heading along this bridge at 80kph (50mph), and because of the height of the bridge, and also some surrounding buildings, you will not get much warning of a train coming. It is possible to get a variety of shots, from both sides of the bridge, and on both sides of the road. The bridge runs in a north south axis, and so the sun should not pose too many problems.
One word of caution, Crossgate is a busy highway, with lots of traffic, and this can often mask the sound of the metro trains. In addition, Stagecoach in South Shields uses double deckers on one route which passes here, and Go North East uses Double decker buses as well. These can sometimes obstruct your view, so do be aware of them coming towards you.


General views - All photographs © Robert Clarke unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south west


Fig 1 - Looking south west


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