“Ambitious” restoration of ‘iconic’ Tyne Bridge announces finalised project plans

Final plans are being made for the start of an “ambitious” restoration of the “iconic” Tyne Bridge from this September. Engineers have now finalised project plans which will see work begin under the bridge after the Kittiwakes leave the bridge.

Those initial works will have minimal impact on the transport network ahead of work next year that will see lane closures on the bridge to ensure the iconic structure can be safely restored. With inspection work revealing more extensive repairs than first anticipated, it is estimated that the major refurbishment programme could last up to four years.

Cllr Nick Kemp, leader of Newcastle City Council commented: “We are committed to preserving our iconic Tyne Bridge for future generations. For many the Tyne Bridge is a symbol of home and we welcome this progress.

“We are unrelenting in our passion to see our much-loved bridge restored to its former glory, but this will require up to four years of refurbishment due to the huge scale of works required.

“The bridge isn’t only an iconic structure, it is also a major gateway to our city and the works will have an impact on the travelling public from next year. We are working hard with transport providers to ensure good public transport links for people travelling in and out of the area.

“I am sure everyone will get behind us due to the huge importance of the bridge to our city and region, as we all want to see it shining proudly in the Tyneside skyline once again.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, added: “The Tyne Bridge is an important landmark for the North East and we all want to see this iconic structure brought back to the standard we expect to see.

“We will collaborate closely with our partners to put plans in place to manage the transport network as this refurbishment works gets underway. It will be a proud day when the Tyne Bridge is restored to its former glory.”

In order to carry the work out safely and to protect the workforce and the public, lane closures will be required from next year, which will see the Tyne Bridge reduced to one lane in each direction during a significant part of the refurbishment programme.

Due to the scale and level of disruption expected when works move to the main bridge deck in 2024, the councils have already begun looking at a number of ways to help people plan their journeys, including promoting alternative routes and improving public transport links to ease disruption.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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