Tyne Bridge restoration work to step up in 2024

The next stage of restoration works on the Tyne Bridge are set to get underway in early 2024, as refurbishment works move on to the main bridge deck.

£32 million is being invested in the iconic structure to see it returned to its former glory. With the Tyne Bridge showing visible signs of deterioration, these vital works are needed to preserve the heritage of the bridge, ahead of its centenary in 2028.

In early 2024, engineers will start work on the main structural repairs of the Gateshead side of the bridge, next to the tower. People are being warned that major travel disruption is expected at this stage of the four-year ambitious programme.

Capacity will be halved on the Tyne Bridge, a route which can be used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day, when lane closures are required for this stage of works. Lane restrictions will be required for the majority of the programme, reducing the Tyne Bridge to one lane in each direction.

Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council are advising people to plan ahead and make the switch to public transport where possible when the main bridge deck works get underway. The start date for this next stage is subject to government releasing the £41.4m funds for both the Tyne Bridge and central motorway schemes, which was confirmed in summer 2022.

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “The Tyne Bridge is not only a defining symbol of the North East, it is also a major gateway to the city and plays a key role on our strategic highways network.

“With these vital works taking place to restore our much-loved bridge to its former glory, it is important that people realise the impact this will have on the travelling public.

“While we have put mitigation measures in place, to help keep the city moving during the restoration period, we are giving people advance notice that there will be disruption. Please plan ahead, follow the travel advice, and make the switch to public transport or walking and cycling where possible, as we carry out this hugely important refurbishment.”

Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: “We’re going to need everyone in the region who loves the bridge to do their bit to help us minimise the disruption that the restoration will cause to the transport network. 

“I’m confident it will be worth the wait - it will be a proud day for everyone in the North East when our Tyne Bridge is restored to its former glory.” 

Disruption expected. Plan ahead.

With the bridge reduced to one lane in each direction to protect the workforce and the public during the main bridge deck restoration, heavy congestion is expected on all approaches to the Tyne Bridge on both Newcastle and Gateshead sides.

The Quayside is also expected to be busy as people seek to use the Swing Bridge.

The public are strongly advised to use public transport where possible when travelling to and from the city centre. Both councils acknowledge that this may be challenging if industrial action by transport operators continue into 2024, however the works to the Tyne Bridge are urgently required and lane closures are unavoidable during the main phase of refurbishment.

As part of the restrictions on the bridge, one footway will be available at all times.

Walking and cycling routes around the bridge are being improved where possible to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Newcastle City Council is providing additional safe and secure cycle storage in its city centre.

People should also consider Park and Ride sites, which can reduce congestion and help people get into the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead quicker.

People travelling across the region are advised to avoid travel through the centre of Newcastle and Gateshead and stay on the major trunk roads and use other cross river crossings such as the A1, A19, Tyne Tunnel and Scotswood Bridge.

The Redheugh Bridge will still be available for cars, but this is also expected to be heavily congested and is also subject to weather-related closures, particularly for high-sided vehicles in high winds.

People who need to drive into the city are advised to consider car sharing, travelling at off-peak times when the roads are quieter, as well as leaving more time for their journey and to expect delays.

Large employers are also asked to consider staggering start and finish times to avoid peak travel times and encouraging working from home.

A number of junctions and bus routes are being improved to smooth traffic flow and prioritise buses in advance of the disruptive elements of work. This includes upgraded traffic signals connected to the traffic management system that covers Newcastle and Gateshead. This will allow for better coordination between key junction to help keep traffic flowing on key routes between the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead, including the Quayside corridor.

Improvements for bus services include the junction of Collingwood and Mosley Street, which is part of a key bus and taxi route leading to the High Level Bridge and new yellow boxes installed on the Quayside to improve bus access on key routes.

Nexus operate a number of Park and Ride sites, including five in and around Newcastle at Regents Centre, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Callerton and Four Lane Ends, offering over 1,000 spaces, with easy access to bus and Metro links coming into the city centre.

In Gateshead, work is ongoing to better utilise the existing Heworth Interchange long stay car park for Park and Ride, and to establish a new, free Park and Ride car park close to the Metrocentre and the A1 in the west of Gateshead, to enable people to switch to local trains or bus services.

To view full travel advice and for help with planning your journey, visit the dedicated webpage Travel Advice.