The Queen Alexandra Bridge was named after the queen consort to Edward VII and Empress of India. Opened by the Earl of Durham on the Queens behalf on 10th June 1909. Linking Southwick on the north side to Deptford on the South, the multi functional bridge not only replaced the ferry but also provided a direct rail connection for the coalfields of Washington and Anfield Plain to Sunderlands South Docks.

Viewed from South side of the river looking upstream.

This 900ft span of which the 300 foot river span was the heaviest in the United Kingdom and weighed 2600 tons was also a former rail bridge. The steel trussed bridge was designed by Charles A. Harrison and built by Sir William Arrol, completing in 1909.
The single span over the River Wear itself was a result of a clause in the North Eastern Railway Act of 1900 that stipulated that the river had to be crossed with a single span that would have, at high tide, a clearance of 85 feet below to allow access to and from the shipyards and docks upstream.

Interesting Facts and Figures.

Up to 1921 when the upper rail section closed to goods trains, the bridge carried around six million tons of coal a year destined for export.
It is understood that the 60,000 tons of red sandstone came over from Dumfries.

A massive 350,000 bricks were used in its construction.
During the 2nd world War the upper deck was used as a searchlight and anti- aircraft gun platform.

The build costs of the bridge amounted to around £450,000.

The bridge is Grade II listed.

Alexandra Bridge 1913

This photograph of the Queen Alexandra Bridge was taken in in 1913.

Alexandra Bridge 2009

Taken in 2009 the view of the bridge is much more peaceful.
The bridge facelift in 2005 took almost 18months and cost £6.3 million.

Same shot showing the newly created park area on the left (South side of the river) and the small fishing and leisure craft in the foreground.

Boats on River Wear

The other rail bridge in the town centre is call Harrisons Wear Bridge which also carries the Metro.