Region leaders united in support for the £41.4m Tyne Bridge restoration works

Leaders from across the North East have come together to show their support for the restoration works to the iconic Tyne Bridge.

With the major works to get underway this September, political leaders and MPs, along with key business and transport organisations, have united to show their support to see this much-loved icon returned to its former glory.

A cross-party letter of support, signed by 23 of the region’s main political figures, has been sent to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP. Further letters in support of the major restoration plans have also been submitted to the Department for Transport by representatives of the region’s business and transport sectors.

Cllr Nick Kemp, leader of Newcastle City Council said: “It’s fantastic to see the whole region coming together to show their support for the restoration of our much-loved Tyne Bridge. The Tyne Bridge is seen as a symbol of home for Geordies all over the world and we’re very passionate at about preserving this iconic structure for future generations and seeing it shining proudly in our skyline once again, ahead of its centenary in 2028.

Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central said: “The Tyne Bridge is an icon of the North East and its importance is demonstrated by the way in which MPs from across the region, and from different parties, have come together to support its restoration.”

As well as the letter of support from political leaders, leading organisations in the city have also got behind the councils’ restoration programme, including the Chamber of Commerce, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, NE1 and Newcastle United Football Club.

John McCabe, North East England Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “As one of the region’s most iconic landmarks, it is essential that the Tyne Bridge is restored so that it can continue to be a key site for both locals and visitors to the North East.”

Major transport authorities have also got behind the scheme including Transport for the North, Transport North East, Nexus and bus operators.

It is over 20 years since the Tyne Bridge was last refurbished and the Tyne Bridge is showing visible signs of deterioration. With detailed inspection works revealing more extensive repairs than first anticipated, it is estimated that the major refurbishment programme could last up to four years. The £41.4m funding package for the Tyne Bridge and upgrades to central motorway was confirmed last summer by government.

The programme of works beginning in 2024 includes steelwork repairs, grit blasting and re-painting, concrete repairs, drainage improvements, stonework and masonry repairs, bridge deck waterproofing and resurfacing, parapet protection and bridge joint replacement.

These works will maintain the load capacity of the structure and future proof the route by alleviating the need for continual ad-hoc improvement works. Works to the central motorway will also get underway in 2024, with the start dates of the works still to be confirmed and is expected to last for up to two years.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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