Hi
ghways England (HE) and Historic England (HE) report on two linked items of heritage news in the North East of England, as the listing of 
Tyne Bridge in Newcastle has been upgraded to Grade II*, while the North East’s first triple-decker roundabout (on the A19) has been marked by the placing of a time capsule highlighting 2018 life.
Tyne Bridge by Tellyaddict at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4740404
Time capsule image Open Government Licence v3.0
Highways England writes:
Future generations unearthing a time capsule in 100 years’ time will get an exciting glimpse of what life was like back when work was taking place to build the North East’s first ever triple decker roundabout.
Highways England has joined forces with businesses and schools in North Tyneside to capture what it’s like living in 2018. The time capsule has been buried on site of the A19 Coast Road scheme and to mark the burial, a special ceremony has been held today with an official plaque unveiled by Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn.
Highways England assistant project manager Steven Cox said: ‘We have been really pleased with the contributions we have received from the wider community who have been so enthusiastic about this project and I’m sure when it is dug up in a 100 years’ time it will give a fascinating insight into how things have changed. There’s a wide range of items included from brochures and programmes to photographs and videos, so a big thank you to everyone. It was also a pleasure to invite the Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn down to the site to unveil the official plaque today and to show her how work to create the triple decker junction is progressing. We not revealing the exact location of the time capsule to avoid it being dug up early and spoiling the surprise but this has been recorded by North Tyneside Council for when it is dug up in 2118.’
Historic England writes:
The Tyne Bridge has been upgraded to Grade II* listed today by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Veronica Fiorato, Historic England’s Listing Team Leader in the North said: ’The Tyne Bridge has long been a symbol of Tyneside and a defining landmark of the North East. Its dramatic design and construction make it a real source of pride for Geordies as well as a representation of the North East’s steely attitude. It fully deserves to be among the 5.8% of structures which are Grade II* listed.’
Cllr Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council said: ’The Tyne Bridge is undoubtedly the most iconic image of the North East. It is recognised internationally and conjures up passionate feelings of home for all Geordies. We are a city that makes history and shapes the future and our Tyne Bridge truly symbolises this. We are delighted that the bridge has received this well-deserved recognition which is a testament to its legacy and importance to future generations.’
Gateshead Council Leader Martin Gannon said: ’The Tyne Bridge is an enduring icon of the North East. For many, seeing the Tyne Bridge is a sign they have returned home. It is fitting that as we celebrate all that is great about the North this summer, this fantastic structure is honoured in this way.
