Leaders across the North East show their support for the £41.4m Tyne Bridge restoration works

The major works are due to get underway this September and the region’s leaders have united to show their support to see the iconic bridge returned to its former glory.

A cross-party letter of support, signed by 23 of the region’s main political figures, has been sent to the Secretary of State for Transport.

Further letters showing support for the major restoration plans have also been submitted to the Department for Transport by representatives of the North East’s business and transport sectors.

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, has praised the support shown in favour of the works ahead of the bridge’s centenary in five years time.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see the whole region coming together to show their support for the restoration of our much-loved Tyne Bridge.

“The Tyne Bridge is seen as a symbol of home for Geordies all over the world and we’re very passionate at about preserving this iconic structure for future generations and seeing it shining proudly in our skyline once again, ahead of its centenary in 2028.

“We have set out the programme of works to begin this September, with the disruptive elements of the refurbishment to start in 2024.

“This is to give residents and businesses certainty of when the works will start, so they can plan ahead and make alternative travel arrangements, where possible, while we carry out this restoration of an icon.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, has looked ahead to how he will feel once the restoration work is complete.

He commented: “The Tyne Bridge is such an important landmark for the whole of the North East and I think everyone in the region understands the importance of seeing this iconic structure restored.

“We all need to pull together to keep the transport network moving while these vital works are completed.

“It will be a really proud day when the project is complete and we can all enjoy seeing the bridge returned to its best.”

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It has been more than 20 years since the Tyne Bridge was last refurbished and it is now showing visible signs of deterioration.

A £41.4m funding package for the Tyne Bridge and upgrades to the Central Motorway was confirmed last summer by the government.

The major restoration works could last up to four years, with the first phase of the work seeing scaffolding erected to provide nesting space for when the kittiwakes return for the breeding season next year.

Newcastle City Council has confirmed that all elements of the works have been carefully programmed to minimise disruption to the protected species.

The more disruptive element of the work will begin next year when lane closures will be required in each direction on the Tyne Bridge for a significant part of the restoration programme.

This will have a major impact on the travelling public and both Newcastle and Gateshead councils are looking at a number of ways to reduce the disruption.

The programme of works beginning in 2024 includes steelwork repairs, grit blasting and re-painting, concrete repairs, drainage improvements, stonework and masonry repairs, bridge deck waterproofing and resurfacing, parapet protection and bridge joint replacement.

The works will maintain the load capacity of the Tyne Bridge and future proof the iconic route by reducing the need for continual ad-hoc improvement works.