Next stage for the Tyne Bridge restoration

As work progresses on the restoration of the Tyne Bridge, the next phase of scaffolding installation will require overnight weekday closures in November.

An image of the walkway on the west footway.

Contractors are currently working behind the scaffolding on the west footway as restoration work takes place on the bridge’s parapet and screen plates.

In preparation for work switching to the opposite footway, weekday overnight closures of the Tyne Bridge is required for scaffolding to be installed on the east footway. Over a four-week period in November, scaffolding, known as ‘up and overs’, will be installed from the underside of the bridge deck, up the side and over the bridge parapet onto the footway to enable repairs and repainting works to be carried out next year.

As part of this next phase, a scaffolded footway will be constructed so pedestrians can safely use the bridge while the restoration continues. The scaffolding will mirror the walkway on the west footway, however it won’t include the white encapsulation wrapping while it is available for pedestrian use. A metal sheeting surround and artificial lighting will be installed for the safety of pedestrians.

The installation work has been planned for overnight shifts to minimise disruption to the travelling public as well as keeping the bridge open for people walking and cycling.

People will start using the west footway in early 2026, when restoration moves over to the opposite side of the bridge’s parapet and screen plates.  

Upon completion of all works to the screen plates and parapets, the scaffolding will be removed to pave the way for the construction of the safety deck scaffolding above the bridge deck when work will begin on the bridge arch.

Cllr Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for transport and climate said: “The Tyne Bridge restoration is making great progress as we restore an icon to its former glory.

“So far, 25% of the Tyne Bridge has been repaired and repainted in its distinctive Hollybush Green, and with the scaffolding around the Newcastle under arch starting to come down, people will soon see this newly completed section.

“I appreciate that the overnight closures are disruptive, but they are needed so we can keep access open for traffic and people as much as possible throughout the remaining restoration period, as well as get this next phase completed before the run up to the busy Christmas period.”

Cllr John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: “The restoration of the Tyne Bridge is making significant progress, and it’s brilliant to see the newly painted sections emerging from the scaffolding.

“We know people are impatient to see the finished job, but we’re asking for patience to ensure the job is done comprehensively, and these overnight closures will help us achieve our goals.”

To build the next pedestrian footway, the Tyne Bridge will be closed to traffic on weekdays only, from Monday 3 November until Friday 28 November, from 8pm until 6am. People walking and cycling will still have access to the bridge during these closures.

The Central Motorway, which is currently reduced to one lane in each direction, will also have a series of overnight closures during this period, including southbound lanes for the first two weeks in November and full overnight closures for the second part of the month. For more information on central motorway, please go to www.newcastle.gov.uk/A167M.

Newcastle City Council has confirmed that the overnight closures will be delayed helping travelling football fans attending St James’ Park to get home safely and quickly.

Esh Construction is carrying out the works on behalf of Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council. So far, work has been carried out on the Gateshead and Newcastle under arch section, the river span underside of the bridge, and structural repairs and interventions have been completed on the bridge’s hangers within the footway void. The programme remains on schedule for one of the most complex engineering projects in the North East.

The Tyne Bridge multi-million-pound restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from the North East Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.