Tyne Bridge restoration work set to get underway in April

An ambitious four-year programme of restoration of the Tyne Bridge is set to get underway from 2 April 2024, as refurbishment works move on to the main bridge deck.

Image Credit: Andrew Heptinstall Photography

Work began below the bridge deck last September, using the councils’ contribution in anticipation of the main bridge deck works starting in early 2024.

With the long-awaited funding finally in place, plans are underway to see the iconic structure returned to its former glory, starting after the Easter bank holiday weekend.

From 2 April, lane restrictions will come into force which will see capacity reduced to one lane in each direction, as engineers start work on the main structural repairs on the Gateshead side of the bridge, next to the tower.

People are being warned that major travel disruption is expected as capacity will be halved on the Tyne Bridge, a route which can be used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.

The current programme of works will see lane restrictions in place for a minimum of two years, with further temporary lane closures and overnight closures scheduled for the remaining two years of restoration works, reducing the impact on the city region’s network and local economy.

Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council are advising people to plan ahead and make the switch to public transport where possible when this next phase gets underway.

The lane restrictions will be in place during the school holidays when traffic is lighter, which should initially minimise the impact on the travelling public but delays and congestion are expected when traffic returns to normal levels.

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “The Tyne Bridge is not only an iconic structure for the city’s region, but also a major gateway to the city, used by tens of thousands of vehicles each day.

“We’ve campaigned hard to secure this funding and I am pleased that these vital works will get underway, particularly with the centenary fast approaching, but people need to realise that it will have an impact on their journeys.

“You will have seen lots of works taking place in the city centre as we gear up for the restoration programme, this was to help improve traffic flow and prioritise buses ahead of this next stage of works to help keep the city moving.

“Newcastle is very much open for business throughout the restoration period and we’re advising people to use public transport to minimise disruption as we carry out these crucial works to see our much-loved bridge returned to its former glory.”

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.

“We’re asking everyone to follow our travel advice, and make the switch to public transport or walking and cycling where possible, as we carry out this hugely important programme of work.”

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 this April, heavy congestion is expected on all approaches to the Tyne Bridge on both Newcastle and Gateshead sides.

The public are strongly advised to use public transport where possible when travelling to and from the city centre.

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

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

Government funding of £35m was confirmed earlier this month for the £41.4 million package for both the bridge works and upgrade to the A167 Central Motorway in Newcastle. The council still await confirmation of the remaining £6m which was announced as part of the Network North plan in October.

Local contractor Esh Construction will carry out the works on behalf of the councils. A full programme will be set out in due course, detailing the phasing of the refurbishment which will see various sections of the iconic structure clad in scaffolding over the four-year period. Scheduling of the central motorway upgrade will also be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The full programme to the Tyne Bridge includes steelwork repairs, full grit blasting and re-painting, concrete repairs, drainage improvements, stonework and masonry repairs, bridge deck waterproofing and resurfacing, parapet protection and bridge joint replacement.