Plans 'moving at pace' for Gateshead Highway flyover
The structure was closed earlier this month due to safety concerns
Leaders at Gateshead Council have confirmed that work to prop up part of the Highway flyover is underway.
The 1960s concrete structure was closed by the authority on Friday 13th December due to safety concerns.
This followed investigations by engineers which revealed the ageing structure was dangerous. It is now closed for all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Metro services between Monument and Heworth have also been suspended, due to the fact the trains run in tunnels underneath the flyover. Replacement bus services are now in place.
The Council says construction workers are now working to place props around a pillar which is directly over the tunnel where the Metro runs, providing additional support for the structure.
It is estimated that it will take around four days for this work to be completed.
The council is working with Nexus, who operate the Metro system, on mitigating the risks so trains can run under the structure as soon as possible.
Meetings have also been held this week with the Government, the council and the North East Combined Authority, aimed at releasing funds to get demolition and the scheme for a new road underway in the new year.
Dale Owens, Gateshead Council’s Chief Executive, said: “We now have a timeline we are working towards around getting the propping in place, which in turn should expedite a resolution to the current transport issues. Our priority continues to be keeping people safe, while doing everything we can to work with our partners, particularly Nexus.
“We took the decision to close the flyover with immediate effect just over a week ago over serious safety concerns, only discovered due to our prudent close monitoring of the flyover. We have carried out all necessary remedial work over the years, as we worked towards plans to pull it down.
“Emergency planning has ensued ever since we closed the structure. This includes standing up a multi-agency tactical co-ordinating meeting through the Local Resilience Forum, with the primary focus on updating our stakeholders across the region as to achievable outcomes so contingency arrangements can be made.
“A lot of what we do behind the scenes is often largely unseen by the public, but I can assure people getting to this stage has required significant effort on our part and my thanks go to everyone who has worked around the clock to make this happen, especially given the extra pressures of this being over the Christmas period.
“We are working with our partners, key stakeholders and the government to bring forward plans, working with the North East Combined Authority to ensure relevant funding is in place. Yesterday we agreed with the Department of Transport that this will be locally co-ordinated through a working group to be set up shortly.
“I am grateful for all the patience demonstrated by residents and stakeholders alike, who continue to follow the diversions and keep Gateshead moving and still open for business.”
Meanwhile motorists are asked to follow the diversions in place with pedestrians urged to keep to the footpaths and not break through the fencing. Security patrols are in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
Further council updates can be found online.
Updates on the Metro service can be found here.