Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge is one of the defining icons of the region, and one of only two working examples in the UK. Opened in 1911, the large blue crane-like structure spans the River Tees between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence. It carries 350,000 vehicles a year over the 850ft crossing in its suspended gondola, and is the largest working bridge of its kind in the world. A small fee is charged for vehicles and pedestrians wishing to make the crossing, which takes a little over two minutes. The bridge has been awarded The Heritage Plaque for engineering excellence.