The latest bridge to be built across the River Tees is a pedestrian and cycle way linking the North Shore development with the University of Durham's Queen's Campus and the Teesdale Business Park.
Comprising two asymmetrical arches 180 metres in length, (the main arch is 120 metres) the structure is 273 metres overall. It was built using 450 tonnes of locally produced steel and, when reflected in the river, it takes the form of the mathematical symbol for infinity, hence the name.
The central pier is supported by 12 tubular steel piles driven into the river bed. The top of the main arch is 40 metres above the Tees and the footway is 4 metres wide. At night the footway is lit by blue and white LED lighting designed to change colour as people cross.
The project was jointly funded by Stockton Council, English Partnerships, One NorthEast and the European Regional Development Fund, and was built by contractors Balfour Beatty and sub-contractors Cleveland Bridge and Dorman Long at a cost of £15m.
The successful competition design was by Expedition Engineering and Spence Associates. The subsequent design work was led by Expedition assisted by Arup Materials, Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, Black and Veatch, Bridon, Cambridge University, Cleveland Bridge UK, Dorman Long Technology, Flint and Neill, Form Fab, GCG, GERB, Imperial College, RWDI, Spence ASsociates, Speirs and Major, Stainton, and William Cook. White Young Green were project managers.
