Fresh works underway to strengthen flyover

Work has started to make further repairs to a major North East transport route.

Contractors are reinforcing the A167 Gateshead Highway flyover.

The work will see two central pillars encased in concrete while temporary supports are removed.

Gateshead Council says the process will take “some weeks to complete”, with the structure's upper deck remaining closed to traffic.

Bosses add more than £1 million has already been spent on safety measures at the flyover, including emergency propping, fencing and monitoring. 

Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Our officers have been working hard to progress this huge and complicated project and minimise disruption.

“We are continuing to talk to partners to bring forward a deliverable and funded plan, not just for the roads, but for the regeneration of the town centre and wider area around the flyover.”

He added that once the props are removed in March, the Sunderland Road bus and cycle lane is primed to reopen.

Councillor Gannon added: “We know it must be frustrating for town centre businesses, but we can assure them departments across the council are working hard to bring plans forward rapidly.

“Our data shows traffic levels are not far off normal around our town centre roads, and we do have a town centre manager working to support businesses and market the centre.”

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