Scaffold rises on Gateshead quayside as contractors make progress on first phase of major restoration

Passers by will see a notable change around the Gateshead tower of the bridge as Esh Construction makes progress with the installation of scaffolding below the bridge deck. The first phase of work got underway following the Great North Run and the departure of the kittiwakes for the year.

Image Credit: Andrew Heptinstall Photography

The scaffold adjacent to the Gateshead tower and above ‘By the River Brew’ will provide access for grit blasting, repairs and painting works below the bridge deck. Grit blasting is required to remove the existing paint and allow steelwork repairs to be undertaken before the surface can be re-painted.

Work to install the first phase of scaffold is heading towards the halfway point and on completion will be fully sheeted to protect the surrounding environment during the project.

While the current phase has minimal impact on the travelling public, from early 2024 the work will move onto the bridge deck and capacity will be greatly reduced as the Tyne Bridge is reduced to one lane in each direction to allow essential structural repairs to be completed safely.

To keep up to date with latest travel advice, visit: https://tynebridge.org/travel-advice