Residents thanked as restoration of the Tyne Bridge moves onto next phase
Council leaders have thanked people for their patience as work on the Tyne Bridge restoration moves to its next phase.
The structure has been undergoing a massive multi-million-pound revamp over the last year, as part of a joint project between Gateshead and Newcastle councils.
This has seen lane closures and diversions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, to enable the work on the Grade II* listed bridge to be done.
This comes as the scaffolding on the Gateshead quayside is currently being dismantled to reveal the major restoration work that has taken place over the last 11 months.
Now new traffic management measures will be in place as the project aimed at preserving the Tyne Bridge for future generations reaches a significant milestone. To allow this changeover to happen the bridge will close overnight for a few days next week.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"The restoration of the Tyne Bridge is progressing really well. The team on site are achieving great things, and it's also really important to see the wider benefits to the region.
"Children in local schools are getting to see what's involved in this type of work, and there is a ripple effect of local contractors working on such an iconic structure, providing employment and developing skills for the future.
"We also want to thank everyone who has adjusted how they travel during the restoration work, taking different routes or switching to the bus or Metro, to help keep the region moving."
Structural repairs and interventions on the bridge's hangers - located within the eastern footway - are now complete, which will enable the complex programme of works to move to the next phase.
The team behind the project have been working inside the bridge deck void since April last year where initially a full clean-up was completed to remove dirt, rust and nine tonnes of pigeon guano before further assessment, grit blasting, repairs and repainting could begin.
Inspections in the 1.5-metre-high void revealed that essential repairs were needed to strengthen key supporting hangers (the main struts between the bridge arch and the deck carrying the weight of the road traffic) and several sections of heavily corroded steel needed replacing.
Achieving the latest milestone will allow restoration work to shift from the eastern to the western footway, and traffic management on the road will be switched to enable this next phase of repairs to start. This phase will replicate the same sequence of work already completed in the eastern footway.
Traffic will continue to operate using one lane in each direction for the protection of the public and the workforce. To facilitate the traffic switchover, there will be three overnight closures of the Tyne Bridge from the 4-6 of March, from 8pm until 6am, with the bridge fully re-opened from 6am on Friday 7 March. As part of the overnight closures, there will be no pedestrian and cycle access on 6 March. Signed diversions will be in place.
From 7 March, people cycling and walking across the bridge will use the east footway, crossing at the north end under the carriageway via the subway and using the pedestrian crossing at the south end, making it easier and more accessible.
Councillor Juna Sathian, cabinet member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council, added:
"We're almost one year into this four-year programme, and it is impressive to see the work that has taken place so far as we restore an icon to its former glory.
"These are really important works to not only preserve the bridge for future generations, but also to maintain a key asset of our highways infrastructure, used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.
"This next milestone is testament to the dedication of all the teams involved, who are hugely proud to be part of the restoration of this iconic structure."
Elsewhere on the major civil engineering project, repair work and painting has been completed under the deck of the structure on the Gateshead quayside, within the scaffolding adjacent to the tower. Grit blasting has removed 96 years of previous paint coatings - up to 11 layers in total - and the steelwork has been cleaned and repaired where required before being painted in Hollybush green.
North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering the scheme in partnership with both councils. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said:
"As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region. Achieving this latest milestone is down to the collaboration, hard work and dedication from all involved.
"Alongside this, we are also working closely within the local community to make a difference. From engaging with more than 2,000 students from both Newcastle and Gateshead schools to offering 450 days of work experience, we want to ensure that this project, that means so much to so many, inspires the next generation of construction workers."
Grit blasting has now commenced on the section of the bridge arch immediately over the Newcastle quayside, within encapsulated scaffolding.
Meanwhile further in-depth investigations and cleaning works are being carried out to check the level of repairs required under the bridge deck, within the suspended underdeck scaffold which has recently been installed.
The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council and is being delivered by Esh Construction.
Council leaders have thanked people for their patience as work on the Tyne Bridge restoration moves to its next phase.
The structure has been undergoing a massive multi-million-pound revamp over the last year, as part of a joint project between Gateshead and Newcastle councils.
This has seen lane closures and diversions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, to enable the work on the Grade II* listed bridge to be done.
This comes as the scaffolding on the Gateshead quayside is currently being dismantled to reveal the major restoration work that has taken place over the last 11 months.
Now new traffic management measures will be in place as the project aimed at preserving the Tyne Bridge for future generations reaches a significant milestone. To allow this changeover to happen the bridge will close overnight for a few days next week.
Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"The restoration of the Tyne Bridge is progressing really well. The team on site are achieving great things, and it's also really important to see the wider benefits to the region.
"Children in local schools are getting to see what's involved in this type of work, and there is a ripple effect of local contractors working on such an iconic structure, providing employment and developing skills for the future.
"We also want to thank everyone who has adjusted how they travel during the restoration work, taking different routes or switching to the bus or Metro, to help keep the region moving."
Structural repairs and interventions on the bridge's hangers - located within the eastern footway - are now complete, which will enable the complex programme of works to move to the next phase.
The team behind the project have been working inside the bridge deck void since April last year where initially a full clean-up was completed to remove dirt, rust and nine tonnes of pigeon guano before further assessment, grit blasting, repairs and repainting could begin.
Inspections in the 1.5-metre-high void revealed that essential repairs were needed to strengthen key supporting hangers (the main struts between the bridge arch and the deck carrying the weight of the road traffic) and several sections of heavily corroded steel needed replacing.
Achieving the latest milestone will allow restoration work to shift from the eastern to the western footway, and traffic management on the road will be switched to enable this next phase of repairs to start. This phase will replicate the same sequence of work already completed in the eastern footway.
Traffic will continue to operate using one lane in each direction for the protection of the public and the workforce. To facilitate the traffic switchover, there will be three overnight closures of the Tyne Bridge from the 4-6 of March, from 8pm until 6am, with the bridge fully re-opened from 6am on Friday 7 March. As part of the overnight closures, there will be no pedestrian and cycle access on 6 March. Signed diversions will be in place.
From 7 March, people cycling and walking across the bridge will use the east footway, crossing at the north end under the carriageway via the subway and using the pedestrian crossing at the south end, making it easier and more accessible.
Councillor Juna Sathian, cabinet member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council, added:
"We're almost one year into this four-year programme, and it is impressive to see the work that has taken place so far as we restore an icon to its former glory.
"These are really important works to not only preserve the bridge for future generations, but also to maintain a key asset of our highways infrastructure, used by up to 70,000 vehicles a day.
"This next milestone is testament to the dedication of all the teams involved, who are hugely proud to be part of the restoration of this iconic structure."
Elsewhere on the major civil engineering project, repair work and painting has been completed under the deck of the structure on the Gateshead quayside, within the scaffolding adjacent to the tower. Grit blasting has removed 96 years of previous paint coatings - up to 11 layers in total - and the steelwork has been cleaned and repaired where required before being painted in Hollybush green.
North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering the scheme in partnership with both councils. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said:
"As a North East-headquartered contractor, we take great pride in delivering this vital project which holds immense significance for the region. Achieving this latest milestone is down to the collaboration, hard work and dedication from all involved.
"Alongside this, we are also working closely within the local community to make a difference. From engaging with more than 2,000 students from both Newcastle and Gateshead schools to offering 450 days of work experience, we want to ensure that this project, that means so much to so many, inspires the next generation of construction workers."
Grit blasting has now commenced on the section of the bridge arch immediately over the Newcastle quayside, within encapsulated scaffolding.
Meanwhile further in-depth investigations and cleaning works are being carried out to check the level of repairs required under the bridge deck, within the suspended underdeck scaffold which has recently been installed.
The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council and is being delivered by Esh Construction.
