Before I begin I would say it is a fantastic resource for budding photographers.

Recently I have been posting some of my images on the members forums to receive some critiques from fellow photographers. When i started out with my night time photography I submitted one of my images to a “best of the week” threads. The idea being you show what you feel to be your strongest image just for sharings sake.

Around a week after I posted my image I received a private message from Rachael, One of the Kelby One staff member asking me if they could showcase my image and feature me as their member of the week.

I gladly accepted. Check out the article by following the link below

https://insider.kelbyone.com/member-monday-featuring-kenneth-horn/

A crossing was first proposed in 2005 but financial uncertainties caused the scheme to be delayed significantly until funding was finally approved by Her Majesties Treasury.

The finished bridge was not the original design. A more ambitious design was dropped after several contractors withdrew from the scheme.

The scheme was part of the Sunderland Arc regeneration plan and was dubbed SSTC2. SSTC2 was constructed by the contractor Jacobs. A further phase labelled SSTC3 is to follow which will construct a new link road which will connect the new bridge to the St Mary’s roundabout. This has been designed by the engineering arm of CAPITA. At the time of writing SSTC3 is currently in a tender process to determine who will be constructing the works.

The scheme as a whole is designed to provide improved access to the Sunderland port

Not only do I have the pleasure of taking pictures of the Northern Spire, I have also been a part of the design team that is working on SSTC3.

When the pylon for the bridge was erected on the 10-11 February 2017 it officially became the tallest structure in Sunderland. It stands at an impressive 105m (344 ft).

At night the central pylon is lit by a series of programmable lights so that on special occasions the bridge can be lit in various colours.

So far the it has been lit red for Rememberance Sunday, Purple in memory of still born children and orange as part of an international campaign against domestic violence.

In my opinion the northern spire is a very beautiful structure that stands tall and proud within the Sunderland skyline.

If you like bridges in general, you can view my other bridge shots here.

These days whilst they still have major economic importance they can do a lot to raise the profile of an area. From a simple little footbridge over a stream to a mega structure bridging canyons.

There is no denying whilst performing the function they were designed for they can be very beautiful to look at.

Here are some images of the bridges i have taken pictures of.