Originally built in to ensure a continuous train journey from London to Edinburgh, this crossing was the first in the world to carry both road and railway traffic with the tracks perched atop the road and walkway in order to save money on construction costs. Under its mighty span and in the distance are other river crossings: The Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge, the King Edward VII rail Bridge and the Redheugh road bridge - all with one thing in common - they exist purely to cross the mighty River Tyne. With a glint of sunrise on its underside and the calming reflections in the slow flowing waters below it is easy to forget the once thunderous, steam belching engines which roared across its lofty heights.