North Tyneside Metro bridge to be replaced in £3m regeneration project

A Metro bridge which serves one of the network’s busiest routes between Newcastle and North Tyneside is to be completely replaced this summer in a £3m project, creating more space for better bus links and road freight to North Shields Fish Quay.

The Tanners Bank bridge, which is located on the Metro line between Tynemouth and North Shields, is to be removed to allow an entirely new bridge to be constructed in its place.

North Tyneside Council and Nexus are working in partnership to improve this key road into the Fish Quay as part of the council’s wider North Shields regeneration plan, as well as making sure the Metro can run smoothly for decades to come.

The project, funded through a £2.7m grant from the Department for Transport’s Highways Challenge Fund, £300k from the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, and £103k from North Tyneside Council, will see clearance beneath the bridge raised to allow large HGVs and double decker buses to get to and from the fish quay.

Cllr Carl Johnson, deputy mayor of North Tyneside, commented: “I am delighted that yet another part of North Shields regeneration will soon be underway. This new bridge is a vital upgrade to the Metro system and raises the current space below by 1.5 metres, allowing better access for buses under the bridge leading to and from North Shields Fish Quay.

“The work is being carried out by Nexus and supports our North Shields and Fish Quay Masterplan, which aims to create a smaller, more vibrant, and connected town centre.”

Major projects director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, added: “We are investing £3m in the complete replacement of the Tanners Bank Metro bridge, which carries 173 train services a day between Newcastle and North Tyneside.

“This bridge is a vital part of Metro’s infrastructure which now needs to be replaced. The current bridge was built in 1853, and has served Metro for 41 years since we took the line over, but this summer is the right time to replace it.”

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