A MAJOR bridge used by thousands of drivers every day is set to close next week.
Engineers have been working on the Tyne Bridge, which links Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, for nearly a year.
Closures on the Tyne Bridge will take place next week[/caption]
Engineers have been working on the major bridge for nearly a year[/caption]
The bridge had been in dire need of a facelift following more than two decades since its last major maintenance.
With the multi-million pound refurbishment well under way, contractors have now completed critical fixes of supporting structures on the eastern side of the crossing.
But they are now preparing to move across to the opposite side of the Grade II listed bridge, which will cause problems for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Roadworks on the bridge highway will be moving next week, though traffic will remain restricted to one lane in each direction.
Three full overnight road closures of the Tyne Bridge are planned from 8pm to 6am from March 4 to 6, with pedestrian and cycle access also blocked on March 6.
From Friday, March 7, walkers and cyclists crossing the bridge will have to use the eastern footway.
It is hoped the bridge will have been restored to its former glory in time for its 100th anniversary celebrations in October 2028.
But there remains significant concern over the final tranche of government funding for the project that is yet to be delivered.
The Department for Transport has provided local councils with £35.2 million so far for a restoration of both the bridge and Central Motorway.
However, a final £6.2 million which was promised by former PMRishi Sunak has since been placed under review by Labour.
Labour councillor Juna Sathian, cabinet member for climate and transport at Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re almost one year into this four-year programme, and it is impressive to see the work that has taken place so far as we restore an icon to its former glory.
“These are really important works to not only preserve the bridge for future generations, but also to maintain a key asset of our highways infrastructure, used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.
“This next milestone is testament to the dedication of all the teams involved, who are hugely proud to be part of the restoration of this iconic structure.”
Steven Garrigan, divisional director at contractors Esh Construction, said: “As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region.
“Achieving this latest milestone is down to the collaboration, hard work and dedication from all involved.
“Alongside this, we are also working closely within the local community to make a difference.
“From engaging with more than 2,000 students from both Newcastle and Gateshead schools to offering 450 days of work experience, we want to ensure that this project, that means so much to so many, inspires the next generation of construction workers.”
Hammersmith Bridge, a historic 138-year-old suspension bridge spanning the River Thames, has been closed to motorists since 2019 due to severe structural damage.
It comes after a bridge used by thousands remains closed and could take 20 years to fix.
The prolonged closure has left local communities and businesses struggling with increased congestion, longer travel times, and financial losses.
Initially expected to be repaired swiftly, the bridge has instead become a symbol of political deadlock and bureaucratic delays.
The cost of fully restoring Hammersmith Bridge has skyrocketed, now estimated at £250 million – a sharp rise from the original £40 million projection in 2019.
Before it was shut, 22,000 cars and multiple bus routes crossed the bridge daily.
With traffic diverted to other routes, journey times have significantly increased, adding up to an hour in some cases.
