Gateshead flyover closure: What we know and what has been said about reopening and site work

Over the weekend roads across Gateshead and Newcastle were thrown into chaos as the flyover on the south side of the Tyne was closed due to safety concerns.

The road which carries the A167 is closed for the forseeable future, while some roads and transport links around the area are also impacted.

Why is the Gateshead Flyover closed?

According to Gateshead Council, an inspection by consultant structural engineers indicated a potential risk in the infrastructure of the flyover, causing a quick and large scale closure of the road.

The flyover was built in the 1960s and the concrete it was built with has a life cycle when it is at its safest. This time frame is now expiring and the concrete is no longer deemed safe for use.

Gateshead Council claims regular inspections have taken place, with the newest check on the site showing significant deterioration of one of the pillars which make the structure.

Which roads are closed for the Gateshead Flyover work?

The whole of the flyover closed on Friday, December 13, while the road beneath the flyover is also closed between the Park Lane roundabout, which usually offers a junction with the A184 Felling bypass and the Five Bridges roundabout.

The two roundabouts below the flyover are remaining open and have been deemed safe to use.

How long will the Gateshead Flyover remain closed?

It is not yet known how long the impacted roads will remain closed. The Council have claimed teams are “taking advice from consultant engineers to consider whether the flyover can be made safe for use, or if demolition is the only option.” It is thought the costs will be significant either way with funding currently being sought.

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What road diversions are in place around the Gateshead flyover?

A167 traffic is being diverted to the west of the flyover, around the Civic Centre. The council are asking drivers to use an alternative route to avoid additional congestion.

Are Metro services impacted?

Because of where the Metro services run, speed restrictions are in place on the stretch of track between Gateshead and Gateshead Stadium. This means trains on this part of the line are unlikely to run to timetable.